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Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) is observed in Georgia strawberry fields. Fortunately for producers, it is not being reported at levels that were seen a year ago, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I don’t know how bad it is, but we do have some. Again, it depends on the source of the plants and …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session next year is set to begin in about a month. Agricultural organizations are ready to advocate for their priorities. One of those organizations is the Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC). GAC President Will Bentley was at the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention on Dec. 8 and discussed what some of his organization’s top priorities are. Not …
By Clint Thompson The Christmas season is a time for food, family and fellowship. An integral part of that annual tradition is putting a Christmas tree or two in your home. Many are cut from a Christmas tree farm before Thanksgiving and erected in homes throughout the Christmas holidays. Some homeowners prefer artificial trees, though, that would be a mistake, …
By Shinsuke Agehara University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research shows that intermittent sprinkler irrigation has great potential to establish Florida strawberries more efficiently — saving water while potentially boosting yield. Most Florida strawberries are established from “bare-root” transplants. They are dug out of nursery fields, often in northern California or Canada, and shipped to Florida …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon acreage in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida could see a reduction in 2026. According to one industry expert, it needs to decrease. Reduced acres could benefit the industry in North Florida and South Georgia. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …
Plant City, FL – Wish Farms, a Plant City-based, international grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and pineberries, announced its proprietary breeding company, Berry Sweet Research (BSR), is advancing quickly towards commercialization of new varieties. Entering its fourth year of rigorous seedling evaluation, BSR is setting new benchmarks in innovation, flavor, and performance in its mission of …
Florida’s late fall and winter do not just bring cooler, less humid weather; they bring the sweet burst of locally grown strawberries. Juicy, vibrant and fresh from the fields, these Sunshine State gems are waiting at your favorite market. Farmers in Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties are growing and harvesting Florida strawberries on about 16,000 acres from December until the …
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s rainfall across the Southeast should help alleviate the extreme and exceptional drought conditions that were observed in the Dec. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Exceptional conditions were still being observed in South Georgia in Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas and parts of Brooks, Colquitt, Mitchell and Miller counties. Exceptional drought in Florida was seen …
By Clint Thompson Increased drought in North Alabama has farmers concerned about decreasing pond levels. Ponds are a major source of irrigation during the production season. But the lack of rain this fall has caused those sources to dry up considerably, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “They’re down because the water table is so low. We’re …
The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) expressed disappointment in response to President Trump’s aid package for farmers that was announced on Monday. The USDA announced that $12 billion will be made available in one time bridge payments to farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The payments are intended, partially, to …
