 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Top Posts”
A deal that could be the beginning of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 2.0 was made between the United States and Mexico earlier this week. Although this may look good for NAFTA renegotiation talks, Georgia produce growers are not happy about the deal and what it could mean for NAFTA going forward. Charles Hall, executive director of the …
By Breanna Kendrick If you’re a peach grower trying to decide what rootstock to use, Tom Beckman has some advice. At the recent Stone Fruit Field Day in Citra, Florida, Beckman spoke about new rootstock options available. A research horticulturist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Beckman is working on developing new rootstocks for the peach industry in the …
Alabama vegetable growers have been dealing with pests that cannot be controlled by insecticides: slugs and snails. According to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension entomologist with Auburn University, increased rainfall over the past year has created this unusual problem of snail and slug infestation. These pests favor wet conditions. Moist soil is the perfect environment for snails and slugs. They also prefer …
By Breanna Kendrick Cory Penca, an entomology Ph.D. candidate and a student in the Doctor of Plant Medicine program at the University of Florida, gave a presentation at the recent Stone Fruit Field Day on managing key pests of peaches in Florida. One of the many pests he discussed was the Caribbean fruit fly. Caribbean fruit fly is specifically a …
By Timothy Coolong Southern Georgia is a powerhouse for wholesale fresh-market vegetable production. The vegetable industry in Georgia was valued at over $1 billion in 2015, with more than 170,000 acres in production, according to the University of Georgia’s 2015 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report. SIZE AND SCOPE The vegetable industry in southern Georgia is also extremely diversified, with more …
By Tacy Callies and Ernie Neff At the recent general session of Citrus Expo, AgSafe President and CEO Amy Wolfe discussed emerging issues in ag labor and food safety. One of the topics she covered was the federal Ag and Legal Workforce Act that was introduced in Congress on July 18. The new bill is an effort to combine the …
By Elizabeth Little Organic vegetable production has been steadily increasing in Georgia. Growers offer a wide variety of high-quality produce, especially during the cooler months from October to June. However, summer production can be challenging due to the proliferation of pests and diseases on non-adapted crops. Both summer and winter squash can be plagued by many pests and diseases, and …
The September issue of VSCNews magazine is packed with harvest-related information. University of Florida (UF) researchers Jeff Brecht and Steve Sargent provide the best methods for tuning up your packing and cooling facilities. The authors share some tips to ensure your product can flow smoothly through your facility. Florida watermelons faced a tough season, but higher market prices may save …
Citrus Expo’s broadened program brought new faces and additional learning opportunities to Florida’s leading agricultural event. Held in North Fort Myers, Florida, on Aug. 15–16, Expo attracted its largest and most diverse audience ever of growers, industry professionals and vendors. The event included a sold-out trade show of nearly 200 exhibitors and an educational program themed “Planting Tomorrow’s Profits.” Kicking …
By Abbey Taylor and Ernie Neff U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official Jennifer Tucker declares organic agriculture to be “a terrific opportunity for farmers and consumers.” “It is a growing market with a lot of great potential,” says Tucker, associate deputy administrator for the USDA’s National Organic Program. The USDA has provided guidelines for farmers and handlers interested in obtaining …
