By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend could impact winter vegetable crops in the Southeast. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses the impact that growers in Alabama and Georgia could see beginning Friday night. “If it stays below freezing for a whole day, that’s going to …
Severe Dry Conditions Still Present in Florida Panhandle
Recent rainfall has helped alleviate some of the drought-like conditions being felt across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worse conditions remain concentrated in the Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia and Florida Panhandle area. A severe drought is being observed in Escambia County, Florida and stretches eastward to Hamilton and Suwanee counties in Florida and in Brooks and …
The Risk of Warmer Winters to Fruit Production
By Pam Knox Georgia is known as “The Peach State,” but the production of blueberries is a much bigger contributor to the state’s economy than peaches. However, both types of fruit have one thing in common. They are being affected by the trend toward warmer temperatures that are being seen across the world due to increases in greenhouse gases in …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening Across Southeast
The drought is intensifying across southeastern states, specifically Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Severe dry conditions are being observed in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and North Georgia areas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate dry conditions in South Alabama stretch from Mobile and Baldwin counties in the Gulf of Mexico to Henry and Houston counties in Southeast Alabama. Moderate …
South Georgia Producer: I’m Okay with the Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers prefer the current dry weather conditions when producing their crops. They want to apply the water needed which helps avert the buildup of disease pressure. It is especially true during the fall season says South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. “I grow vegetables, so I’m okay with the dry weather. We get to put …
Natural Disasters: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
By Clint Thompson Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That should be the mindset of specialty crop producers, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Farmers should always be prepared for the next natural disaster. In the Southeast, that may come in a variety of forms, says Bart Hester, agent with Country Financial in Moultrie, Georgia. He discussed …
Crops Losses Following Hurricane Ian
Crop loss estimates are starting to filter in following Hurricane Ian’s impact in late September. The damages are devastating for some specialty crop producers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable crop losses were high in the Hillsborough/Manatee area. Some locations experienced flooding, while others had wind damage. Assessments show losses between 50% and 100% in planted …
Hurricane Ian Citrus Crop Losses Continue to Rise
A week before Hurricane Ian tore across Florida, Glenn Beck of Beck Bros. Citrus reported to AgNet Media that there were hopeful signs for the coming season. Fruit in his better-looking groves were in the size range that tends to hold on trees until harvest. Beck, and his brother Mark, own and manage citrus groves across the state. He says …
Florida Farm Bureau Working with Members to Assess Damage Following Ian
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
5 Tips for Hurricane Reporting and Documentation
As growers begin to assess the damage left by Hurricane Ian, there’s some important considerations to keep in mind. Kimberly Lott, with Crop Disaster Recovery, provides five tips. She noted that many growers didn’t receive the full amount of money they could have been eligible for after Hurricane Irma — reporting and documentation are key. 1. REPORT LOSSES, GET INSPECTIONGrowers …