Idalia Aftermath: Southeast Georgia Pecan Crop Heavily Impacted

Web AdminGeorgia, Weather

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan producers continue to assess what’s left of their crop in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia last week. Those in Southeast Georgia were especially devastated by the storm that packed high winds and heavy rainfall. It led to a substantial amount of this year’s crop gone, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I …

Hurricane Idalia’s Impact on Specialty Crops

Web AdminSpecialty Crops, Weather

By Maegan Beatty  What started as a tropical storm, Hurricane Idalia hit landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Idalia made landfall this past Wednesday morning near Keaton Beach, which is about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee. Idalia left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Florida and Georgia.   The storm has had many effects on …

Citrus Escapes Significant Damage form Idalia

Web AdminCitrus, Weather

The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge.  “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …

Early Reports: Citrus Fared Well in Idalia

Web AdminCitrus, Weather

The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge.  “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …

Warm Gulf Waters Fuel for Idalia

Web AdminWeather

By Clint Thompson Idalia continues to churn towards the Southeast. The warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico are helping what could be a major hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida, develop in its path to the state’s west coast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the warmer gulf temperatures and their impact …

Hurricane Idalia’s Possible Impact on Florida Strawberry Growers

Web AdminStrawberries, Weather

By Clint Thompson The storm known as Idalia will become a hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida this week. That’s not good news for the region’s strawberry growers already preparing for the upcoming season. Producers are already laying plastic with expectations of planting their crop in September. A storm, with potential to reach Category 3 status, could …

Dry Conditions Expanding Across Southeast

Web AdminWeather

Dry conditions are becoming more widespread across the Southeast. In some areas of the region, the dry weather is classified as a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst conditions are observed along the Florida Panhandle. A moderate drought starts in Escambia County and stretches Liberty and Franklin counties. Abnormal drought conditions continue eastward to Jefferson County. Dry …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Expanding Across Southeast

Web AdminDrought, Weather

Dry conditions are becoming more widespread across the Southeast. In some areas of the region, the dry weather is classified as a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst conditions are observed along the Florida Panhandle. A moderate drought starts in Escambia County and stretches Liberty and Franklin counties. Abnormal drought conditions continue eastward to Jefferson County. …

Ingredients in Place for Quick Hurricane Development

Web AdminWeather

By Clint Thompson It is peak hurricane season, so specialty crop growers will be closely eyeing the weather forecasts with fall production season currently underway across the Southeast. While the remnants of Hurricane Hilary continue to impact California this week, all is currently quiet for the Southeast. But that could change in an instant, especially since three tropical storms popped …

Dry conditions spreading in Florida

Web AdminWeather

Drought-like conditions still exist across some areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst areas are still located along Southwest Florida, starting as far north as Hernando County and stretching southward to Lee and Collier counties. Extreme drought is observed in parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. A wide stretch …