Strawberries in north Alabama are progressing despite sporadic temperatures and high wind speeds. “Our cold weather hasn’t been like a constant. It’s been more of a, we’ll have three or four days, maybe seven or eight days of colder weather, and then we’re back up in the 50s and 60s,” said Eric Schavey, Alabama Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. …
Wind Damage: This Week’s Weather Impacting South Florida Vegetables
Less than ideal weather conditions this week severely impacted vegetables grown in the South Florida area. Sam Accursio, who’s harvesting green beans and yellow and green squash in Homestead, Florida area, confirmed damage to his crops following this week’s extreme wind speeds. “What we’ve had the last three days is 30 mile per hour winds,” said Accursio on Wednesday. “That’s …
Chilling Effect: Winter Weather Impacting South Florida Vegetable Production
Cool temperatures and wet conditions are impacting South Florida’s vegetable production. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, yields are way below normal. As a result, prices have been good for various crops. “Volumes have been light with yields of many items 30% to 50% of normal or less,” the hotline reported. South Florida vegetable production has numerous …
Georgia Producers Adjust to Unpredictable Winter Weather
A projected La Nina weather pattern consisting of drier conditions and warmer temperatures has been anything but this winter for Georgia fruit and vegetable producers. With colder temperatures and consistent rainfall, producers have had to adjust. “Overall, I think everything’s looking pretty good. It’s been a wet winter and then a cold winter. Now, we’re back into a little bit …
Slow Start for Georgia Vidalia Onions
It has been a tale of two winters for Georgia Vidalia onion producers. Last year’s abnormally mild winter was highlighted by warmer temperatures. This season has been characterized by wetter conditions and cooler temperatures. It has impacted the growth of the state’s onion crop so far this season, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the …
Friday Deadline for Alabama Farmers Following Zeta
The deadline is Friday for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop farmers seeking financial assistance from Hurricane Zeta. Producers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta need to submit an application to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation for assistance from a Hurricane Relief Fund by this week. According to the alfafarmers.org, the relief fund is designed to help offset farmer losses …
Winter Rains Mean Reduced Chance of Summer Drought
Rainfall this winter should mean less potential for dry conditions in the summer for vegetable and specialty crop producers in the Southeast. That could mean less need for irrigation usage for farmers during the hot summer months of June through August. Rain has not been lacking across the Southeast, especially during the latter part of December and so far in …
UGA Climatologist: This Year’s La Nina Weather Pattern is Rare
A La Nina weather pattern is usually characterized by warmer temperatures and drier conditions. So far this winter, however, it has been a lot cooler with more rain than originally predicted in the Southeast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, explains why this year’s La Nina is acting abnormally. “It’s not unprecedented to have a La Nina like …
Deadline Looming for Financial Assistance from Zeta
The deadline is less than two weeks away for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop farmers seeking financial assistance from Hurricane Zeta. Producers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta have until Jan. 15 to submit an application to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation for assistance from a Hurricane Relief Fund. According to the alfafarmers.org, the relief fund is designed to …
Chilly December Aiding Southeast Fruit Farmers
A chilly December should have alleviated some concerns of Southeast fruit farmers worried about chill hours in a La Nina winter, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “If you look at the plot of chill hours over this year, November was quite warm. I think they were running way below normal in the number of chill …