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Drought conditions continue to be observed in areas across the Southeast, though some areas have sufficient moisture. These non-drought areas are located in the Florida Panhandle, most of South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. This is according to the Oct. 29 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama Drought-like conditions expand from Southwest Alabama to the northern part of the state. …
In this month’s sneak peek, the November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on the fruit and vegetable industry moving forward after the cyclospora fallout. The cyclospora outbreak during the summer will be remembered as one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history. The outbreak will serve as a reminder for growers to reaffirm that all food-safety …
It is almost time for Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers to make plans for the 2027 Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference & Trade Show, scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2027, at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The theme of next year’s event is “Built for the Challenge.” AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton …
By Frank Giles The Florida Blueberry Growers Association hosted its annual fall meeting and trade show in mid-October in Lakeland. The event was well attended by growers preparing for the coming season. One of the highlights of the meeting was Doug Phillip’s presentation of his annual survey data. Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension blueberry …
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) has a new chairman in Adam Lytch, who will serve a two-year term through 2028. Lytch, with L&M Family Farms in Palatka, Florida, attended the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show on Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, Florida. He discussed his new leadership position with …
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles Florida’s strawberry season is under way, as growers are currently planting this year’s crop. AgNet Media’s Frank Giles caught up with one grower at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, in mid-October. Sam Astin, whose farm is located in Plant City, Florida, talked about the progress …
By Clint Thompson A little more than two months remain in the calendar year. Time is running out on legislative leaders to pass a new farm bill and a new labor bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA). Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper, who attended the recent Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, was asked if he felt optimistic about …
By Clint Thompson Alabama specialty crop producers who are contemplating elderberry as a potential alternative to their farming operations must know how it is used once it is harvested. Holt Akers-Campbell, Alabama Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, discussed that part of the elderberry farming process in an interview with AgNet Media. “They’re usually either quickly frozen or dried. Typically, they’re …
By Clint Thompson Much will be on the ballot when voters flock to the polls for the mid-term elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For Floridians, it will present an opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, which could significantly impact the state’s row crop and specialty crop growers. Amendment 2 is a proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution and addresses tangible personal …
Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) provides citrus growers with a way to overcome the challenges of huanglongbing (HLB) disease. While grapefruit is the predominant variety grown in CUPS, research is underway to expand the varieties grown under screen. That’s one of the remaining CUPS research hurdles for Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the University of …
