According to the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog, Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, said August is cooler than normal. This is largely due to persistent rains and cloud clover. Minimum temperatures overnight are closer to normal than daytime highs, which are down several degrees in most of the Southeast. Precipitation varies across the Southeast region …
VOC Seeks Nominees to Join Committee
The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) seeks nominations from producers to join the committee. The VOC elects eight new nominees each year as part of the process. Voting will take place on Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the VOC office. No absentee votes will be accepted; walk-in voting only. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 27. Please …
U.S. Economy Adds 943,000 jobs in July
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued the following statement on the July 2021 Employment Situation Report: “The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the American economy added 943,000 jobs in the month of July, and the unemployment rate was 5.4%, down from 5.9% in June. With an average of 832,000 new jobs over the past three …
Expo’s Return Much Needed for Industry
By Clint Thompson This week’s return of the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo is much needed for exhibitors like Eric Johnson. The retail market manager with FMC has attended Citrus Expos for more than 20 years. But last year was different. The show held virtually, amid the coronavirus pandemic, was not the same as the previous years when in-person …
Plant Breeding Remains Key to Fusarium Wilt Management
By Clint Thompson The key to eliminating fusarium wilt disease’s impact on watermelons in the Southeast is developing disease-resistance cultivars, says Nick Dufault, University of Florida/IFAS plant pathologist. “Where we stand is we’re trying to work with breeders and get new lines of resistance out there,” Dufault said. “We’re gaining a new understanding of the pathogen. I think we made …
Vidalia Onion Production Meeting
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is hosting the annual Vidalia Onion Production meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. There will be timely topics on variety trials, flavor research, disease management and fertility. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register. Call Chris Tyson at 912-551-2204 for more information. Sponsored ContentNuseed …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “Its hot and humid in the Lowcountry. Fall tomato and watermelons are in the ground and enjoyed a week of mostly dry weather. Okra and sunchokes, aka Jerusalem artichokes, are loving this …
Late Registration Looms for FFVA Convention
By Clint Thompson Late registration for this year’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention ends Aug. 30. The 77th annual convention is slated for Sept. 13-15 in Naples, Florida. FFVA President Mike Joyner said the organization is excited about this year’s event. “We are expecting just a great turnout. I think people are just really anxious to get out …
Citrus Producer’s Young Trees Look ‘Outstanding’
In the face of production declines, pest issues and other challenges, multi-county Florida citrus grower David Wheeler of Wheeler Farms found something positive to report. “One bright spot is the health of our young trees,” he said. “They look outstanding and have been on a good program with a rotation of insecticides.” Wheeler Farms’ more mature citrus trees aren’t doing …
Sweet Results for Georgia’s Peach Crop
By Clint Thompson Cool weather this past winter combined with mild temperatures this summer added up to almost perfect conditions for Georgia peach production this year. The results speak for themselves. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, said the crop produced was about 80%. “When we say 80% of …