By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers hoping for financial relief from Hurricane Michael in 2018 can begin submitting online applications to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) for the $347 million in Farm Recovery Block Grant funds on March 18. Adam Rabinowitz, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension assistant professor and agricultural economist, believes the block grant funds will provide extra benefits …
Another Frost Event Likely for Parts of Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The Southeast is not out of the woods for a late frost event, which could be costly for peach producers and blueberry growers in Georgia and Alabama. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension climatologist, said some blueberry farmers are especially concerned since their plants have already started producing a crop. “Because it’s been such a warm …
Florida Producers Escape Some of Dorian’s Devastation
Hurricane Dorian turned out to be a storm full of surprising twists and turns. What was once supposed to decimate Florida’s east coast as a category four storm stayed hundreds of miles off land and continues to move up the Atlantic coast. Florida lucked out with Dorian since the storm shifted gears over Labor Day weekend. As for Florida, reports …
Dorian’s Swing Threatens 770,000 Acres of Ag Land in Florida East Coast Counties
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — Hurricane Dorian began its much-anticipated northward swing Tuesday morning and is now expected to skirt Florida’s Atlantic coast, threatening a dozen coastal counties that are home to 9 million residents and more than 770,000 acres of agricultural land. Though most agricultural production in these counties occurs 10 miles or more inland, crops could be lost to …
Keeping an Eye on Dorian
Update Sept. 3, 2019: After being stalled over the Bahamas for the majority of the holiday weekend, Hurricane Dorian is expected to start moving north today, still staying off the east coast of Florida. Gary England from the University of Florida released another update this morning about how the storm may impact northeast Florida as it slowly starts heading north: …
Potential Hurricane Damage to Southern Highbush Blueberries
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association has sent out an article by University of Florida experts detailing the potential damage blueberry growers could experience in Hurricane Dorian. Read the article here. Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, 2024Celebrating 50 Years …
UF/IFAS Economist: Millions in Agricultural Crops at Risk as Dorian Approaches Florida
If Hurricane Dorian makes landfall mid-way up Florida’s Atlantic Coast – as many models predicted Thursday afternoon – the storm could devastate not only Central Florida tourist destinations, but also the region’s agricultural areas, which include significant acreage devoted to citrus, vegetable, ornamental plant and cattle production. Economists and Extension faculty with the University of Florida Institute of Food and …
PSA: Well Water Safety After a Hurricane
After a hurricane, is your well water safe to use? If your private well or septic system was damaged during the storm, your well water may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, make sure you boil or disinfect your water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cleaning wounds or cooking. Boil water for at …
Legislative Leaders Meet on USMCA and Disaster Relief
It was a busy Friday in the Southeast for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as he and other legislative leaders sat down with representatives from Florida and Georgia agriculture on June 7. The day started with a meeting in Tallahassee, Florida, followed by a meeting in Doerun, Georgia. The main topics of discussion were the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and …
Georgia Congressman Relieved Disaster Package Passed
Disaster-aid legislation has now been signed into law by President Trump. The bill includes $19.1 billion for areas that suffered from natural disasters, including southwest Georgia, southern Alabama and Florida’s Panhandle, which saw major destruction following Hurricane Michael. While passing the aid for farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael is already a huge win, Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1) is also pleased …