Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It seems like everything is coming in from the fields right now. We got some rain but could really use some more. I am seeing lots of aphids on a variety of …
Recent Rainfall Alleviates Some Dry Conditions Across Southeast
Recent rainfall has helped alleviate the dry conditions in North Alabama and North Georgia, though various regions across the Southeast are still dry. According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, only Morgan, Jefferson and Henry counties are abnormally dry in Alabama. Most of the southern region of Georgia is either abnormally dry, moderately dry or severely dry. Dry …
UF/IFAS Study Looks to Oxygen as Solution for Flooded Fields
Flooded fields can be problematic for Florida specialty crop farmers. Various locations across the Sunshine State average 40-60 inches of rainfall per year. Florida still ranks No. 1 in the nation in production of several crops. This includes snap beans, the subject of a new study from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers that evaluated …
Hot and Dry Conditions Impact Crops in Southwest Alabama
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Southwest Alabama have experienced the highs and lows of the extended drought this spring. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, described the impact the prolonged dry period has had on his growers. “It had been really dry, which was good for a lot of our blueberry and fruit producers. A lot of my …
U.S. Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Persist
Much-needed rainfall this week across the Southeast has done little to alleviate the drought conditions in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southern region of Florida remains mostly abnormally dry, though Highlands, Okeechobee, Indian River, Saint Lucie and parts of Martin, Palm Beach and Glades counties are moderately dry. Abnormally dry conditions …
UGA Extension Climatologist Provides Weather Outlook
By Clint Thompson A hot month of May is expected to stay that way as the weather outlook calendar turns to June. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, provided a weather outlook for what temperatures should feel like over the next week. “The (upcoming) forecast continues to show us in above normal temperatures across all of the …
Some Rainfall on the Way
By Clint Thompson Some rainfall is in the forecast for parts of the Southeast. Some is better than none at this point for farmers. As the current drought spreads and intensifies across Alabama, Florida and Georgia, growers are in need of precipitation for their crops. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides an update on what rainfall is …
Prolonged Drought: Dry Weather Expanding Across Southeast
The prolonged drought that persists across the Southeast is intensifying and expanding in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida’s dry conditions remain in the southern part of the state. Most of the prolonged drought conditions are now moderately dry with some severely dry conditions in Glades and Palm Beach counties. …
Protecting Citrus During Prolonged Dry Periods
Hot and dry conditions are being seen in citrus groves across the Southeast. Growers are reminded to keep their trees — young and old — supplied with an ample amount of water. Citrus grower Kim Jones, who owns a citrus packing facility in Monticello, Florida, and is part-owner of a similar facility in Tifton, Georgia, discusses the importance of keeping …
Georgia Blueberry Crop Struggling Following March Freeze Event
By Clint Thompson The impact the March 13 freeze event had on Georgia’s blueberry crop might be worse than expected. Not only did the sub-freezing temperatures devastate the berries already on the bushes, they led to diseases and fruit quality issues, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “I think a lot of the …