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 …
On Alert: Recent Rains Increasing Disease Pressure in Alabama Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producers need to stay vigilant with their fungicide spray programs. With the wet summer across the state, disease pressure is building in vegetable crops, said Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “We’ve been getting hit hard with bacterial spot (in tomatoes) as you …
Soaked: Wet Summer Could Impact Fall Plantings for Georgia Growers
By Clint Thompson A saturated summer for South Georgia could impact farmers’ preparation for their fall crops. Much like this past spring when plantings were delayed because of excessive rains, that same scenario could be played out later this summer. Soils are saturated. Sunshine is needed. Fields need to dry out. “We have to have fair enough weather conditions to …
Florida Citrus Growers Watching the Tropics
We are well over a month into the 2021 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Elsa is reminding us exactly what can happen in the state of Florida this time of year. Executive Director of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA), Ray Royce, says with summer here, eyes now turn to the weather. As for Tropical Storm Elsa, warnings and watches …
Tropical Storm Elsa: Minimal Impact Expected on Florida’s Vegetable Industry
By Clint Thompson The looming landfall of Tropical Storm Elsa should have minimal impact on the vegetable industry in Florida, said Aaron Troyer, farmer and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “Most of the crops are out of the ground and harvested right now. Anything there would be your perennial crops like oranges, citrus, that sort of thing,” …
Tropical Storm Elsa: Could Make Landfall by Early Next Week
An already rainy summer for Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers could get wetter next week. According to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture Blog, Tropical Storm Elsa is in the Atlantic Ocean and could head for the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. While potential landfalls range from Texas to North Carolina, the Southeast appears to be in …
Wet Weather Could Lead to Disease Issues in South Carolina
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall the past couple of weeks in South Carolina means more potential for disease development in crops that are just getting ready for harvest. That is a concern for growers, says Clemson Extension agent Zack Snipes. “We got a bunch (of rain) here in Charleston for sure. We got a bunch the previous week, too. It’s …
Wet Summer? July Through September Could Receive More Rain Than Normal
According to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture Blog and National Weather Service, July through September is expected to better wetter than normal due to the active tropical season. It has already been a wet June for parts of Georgia. According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia received 4.88 inches from June 1 to June …