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Pruning may help cold-hardy producers salvage their satsuma crop from one year to the next and not endure extreme alternate bearing cycles. “Pruning in the heavy year may help alleviate that alternate bearing pattern. But we still have to do the research to support that,” said Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. While pruning …
(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is delivering on its commitment to support child health and American agriculture by opening applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. Through this grant opportunity, USDA will invest up to $18 million in farm to school projects that connect farmers to USDA’s child nutrition programs …
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is offering the opportunity to safely dispose of outdated, unusable, or unwanted pesticides at an upcoming event. It is scheduled for: September 16, 2025 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Carolina Fresh Farms 1335 E Pine Log Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803 The pesticide and chemical program is only open to farmers and homeowners. …
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvest season is just around the corner for growers in Georgia and Alabama. That does not mean that producers should be complete with their management programs. One pest that producers must be wary of this time of year is the black pecan aphids. Its presence in orchards this season makes it a threat to a promising …
By Clint Thompson Vegetable growers must plan ahead when managing whiteflies. It starts before the season even begins; really, even before the prior season ends, explains grower Elizabeth Malek with Lipman Farms. She spoke about whitefly management during a panel discussion at the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “You have to think about the start of your …
Phytophthora root rot’s impact on young citrus trees is concerning for groves in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Newly planted trees are more vulnerable to the disease than older, established trees, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. He discussed the disease’s impact during the Citrus Grower’s Summer …
FLETCHER – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden signed a $221 million federal block grant agreement last week that targets aid to the state’s farmers who sustained losses and damages from Hurricane Helene in 2024. The signing took place at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. The North Carolina …
Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1% of American farmland. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts and stakeholders …
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions are worsening and expanding in Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in various parts of Georgia, while drought remains prevalent in South Florida. This is according to the Sept. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southwest Alabama is covered with drought, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. The dry conditions start in the …
By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …
