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By Clint Thompson There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future. Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an …
By Clint Thompson Georgia agriculture will be under the spotlight next week at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, scheduled for Oct. 14-16, in Moultrie, Georgia. Georgia will be this year’s Spotlight State, which allows Sunbelt attendees to visit the Spotlight State building and learn more about Georgia agriculture, the state’s No. 1 industry. “The Spotlight State is the hometown, the great …
By Clint Thompson Labor needs remain the top concern for specialty crop growers. That means investments in automation and mechanization are vital to a producer’s long-term success. But that’s easier said than done, explains Dana Brennan, vice president, corporate affairs with Grimmway Farms. Brennan was part of a panel that testified recently during a special hearing on the State of …
Scale insects can cause blueberry damage in several ways. The tiny pests suck plant sap out of foliage. In high enough numbers, scale can weaken the vigor and growth of blueberries. The pests also excrete honeydew, which can produce sooty mold on the plant and fruit. In excess amounts, honeydew and sooty mold can reduce the grade of fruit or …
The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Speakers covered topics including measuring financial performance, risk management, optimizing business operations and cybersecurity. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. …
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell in South Georgia is impacting the region’s fall vegetable producers. Sam Watson, located in Colquitt County Georgia, discussed the impacts that growers like himself are seeing amid hot and dry weather conditions. “It’s getting pretty tough. No. 1, we’re running low on water in some places. No. 2, the whitefly pressure has just …
Blood oranges may be an enticing fruit to grow for cold-hardy citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlighted his blood orange research during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop at the North Florida Research and Education Center …
By Clint Thompson Tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration this year have been widely praised by some and heavily criticized by others. All will agree they have been impactful one way or another, especially with certain specialty crops destined for exports. The House Committee on Agriculture recently hosted a special hearing on the State of the Specialty Crop Industry. One …
By Clint Thompson The specialty crop sector scored major victories with recent court and legislative rulings regarding labor. There’s hopefully more to come for Southeast growers, with Florida and Georgia being the top two users of the H-2A program. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the recent developments during last week’s Georgia Ag Labor Forum in Tifton, Georgia. …
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) urged President Trump this week to ensure specialty crops be included in any emergency economic aid initiatives for the agricultural sector. Fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and landscape plant growers across the country are facing an immediate and mounting economic crisis. The group’s letter to the President highlighted …
