By Clint Thompson An already challenging time in the pecan industry is being made tougher this summer with the persistent rains. While the trees need rain to produce a crop in the fall, too much rain can lead to scab disease. With as much rain as being reported across Alabama and Georgia, a scab outbreak is quickly spiraling out of …
North Georgia Dealing with Excessive Rains
By Clint Thompson South Georgia is not the only part of the state receiving excessive rains this summer. The northern part of the state has received its share as well. It is impacting production at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, located just above Gainesville. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms, said his 20 acres of watermelons will be ready for …
Summer Rains Impacting Middle Alabama
By Clint Thompson Rainy days and wet field conditions add up to a frustrating summer for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. “Soaking wet,” describes David Lawrence, regional Extension agent for commercial horticulture in middle Alabama. “Everything’s under water. Guys are having a hard time getting in the field, falling behind. Disease pressure is through the roof right now. Yep, …
Deadline Nearing for Alabama Disaster Relief Programs
Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers have until July 26 to apply for the Alabama Agricultural Relief Program. According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019, provides funds for necessary expenses related to losses of crops, trees, bushes and vines related to Hurricane Michael in 2018. The United States Department …
Wet Summer to Impact Fall Crops
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall in summer and early fall may favor conditions for foliar and soil-borne diseases in vegetable crops, particularly those that are caused by water molds or oomycetes, says Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable plant pathologist. “Saturated soils can promote damping off, seedling blight and root rot in transplanted vegetables, especially in low lying …
Wet Summer Expected to Stay That Way
By Clint Thompson A wet summer is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, discusses the impact. “So, last year was wet from all of the tropical activity. We’re just at the beginning of this tropical season this year, so we’ve …
Cloudy and Overcast: summer Weather Dampens Growers’ Spirits
By Clint Thompson South Georgia’s wettest summer since 2013 has vegetable and specialty crop farmers hoping for more sunshine, especially as preparations begin for fall plantings. “It’s killing us. We’re trying to lay plastic and trying to get stuff seeded in the greenhouse. This cloudy weather just isn’t good for anything,” said Tift County farmer Jaime Patrick said. “We’re getting …
Georgia Farmer: Market is Still Cheap
By Clint Thompson Long-time vegetable farmer Sam Watson has experienced a lot during his time growing produce in Colquitt County, Georgia. But even this season provided a first for him. “I’ve never seen it this cheap, this long on so many different items,” said Watson, managing partner of Chill C Farms, who produces squash, zucchini, bell pepper, cabbage, eggplant and …
Weather Preventing North Alabama Producers from Applying Needed Sprays
By Clint Thompson Sunny days are few and far between this summer for North Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers. The persistent rainfall and cloudy weather have hindered production, says Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “The impact is we’re not able to get in the field to spray. That’s been our main issue,” Schavey said. “I’m seeing …
South Georgia Farmers Feeling Impact of Rainy, Cloudy Conditions
By Clint Thompson South Georgia rains have been frequent this summer, and it is having an impact on some vegetable operations in the region. “It’s been devastating,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. “We get showers every day. You can’t pick. It just stays wet all the day. (Thursday) was the first sunshine we’ve …