Blueberry Farmer Reflects on Lost Crop Following Hailstorm

Web AdminBerries, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson A devastating hailstorm on Thursday, April 23 wiped out production for one of the largest blueberry farming operations in the Southeast, says blueberry farmer Phillip Mixon. The former owner of Mixon Farms, who now serves as manager, reflects on what might have been with this year’s crop. “We had the best crop we had since about 2016,” …

Boxed Produce Leads to Sweet Results

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Thinking inside the box helped Brill Brim sell fruit and vegetables while providing an outlet for consumers to buy local produce. Brim, a Tifton, Georgia farmer, was overwhelmed with the positive response his produce boxes generated in the South Georgia area this week. The co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms said they sold between 1,300 and 1,400 produce …

Cabbage, Broccoli and Other Cole Crop Diseases

Web AdminDisease, South Carolina, Top Posts

Clemson Cooperative Extension released some diseases that cole crop growers need to be on the look out for this spring. Cole crops, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, are easily grown in South Carolina. Tips for growing healthy cole crops in the garden are available in HGIC 1301, Broccoli, HGIC 1326, Cauliflower and HGIC 1303, Cabbage & Chinese …

Timing is Everything for Florida Farmer

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Timing is everything, and for Florida produce farmer Will Hyatt, it might be the key to a successful season. Hyatt, who farms bell peppers and cantaloupes in Lake Wales, Florida, has been picking melons for more than a week. He was fortunate not to have to deal with the challenge of marketing produce during the onset of …

UGA Research Aimed at Helping Hemp Varieties Adapt Better to Southeast

Web AdminGeorgia, Hemp, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers can begin growing industrial hemp this year. Many Georgia growers are enthusiastic about the new opportunity. But most varieties have not been selected for Georgia’s climate. There is little information about which ones will do well. University of Georgia scientists are hoping their research will help hemp producers profit for many years to come. UGA …

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Florida Farm to You Commodities Page Adds Interactive Map, Transportation Options

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has added several exciting new features to the Florida Farm To You commodities exchange that the Department launched on April 9. Designed to connect farmers with buyers, consumers, and food banks during COVID-19, the page has been visited more than 334,000 times, with more than 310 listings of …

North Carolina Growers Await Decision on Hemp Licensing

Web AdminHemp, North Carolina, Top Posts

By Ashley Robinson North Carolina is still operating under the state’s pilot program, just as it has since 2017 when the program started. If you want to grow hemp, you will need to apply for a license from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). However, that will all change soon. “Something is going to have to …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: I’m a Fan of Having Our Own Domestic Supply of Food

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Blueberry prices have not improved much, and Mexican imports may be a reason why, says Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “I don’t think (prices have) move the needle much. Part of it is this Mexico deal. Mexico brought another 5 million pounds in last week. Mexico just keeps putting more and more fruit on our window, even Georgia’s …

Freezing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Extends Shelf Life

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Not all freshly picked fruits and vegetables are meant to be eaten right away. Freezing them will extend their shelf life. If fresh produce is properly frozen, much of the flavor that consumers savor and nutritional value that is constantly promoted will be retained. Elizabeth Andress, a faculty member in the University of Georgia College of Family …

Recent Rains Helping Alleviate Parts of Florida’s Drought

Web AdminDrought, Florida, Irrigation, Top Posts, Water, Weather

By Clint Thompson This week’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor is expected to show improvement to Florida’s current drought conditions. That’s the belief of David Zierden, a state climatologist at Florida State University’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies. “I anticipate the drought monitor will show improvement, especially in north Florida. Right now, it seems the driest part of the …