 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures in the Southeast the first of next week has strawberry growers contemplating an important decision early in the growing season – apply row covers or do nothing. Temperatures are expected in the high 20s in some locations, which could impact young strawberry plants, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “I see …
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are ready to turn the page following last year’s season. Hurricane Milton’s impact in the region in early October 2024 led to a challenging production year, says Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director at Wish Farms in Plant City, Florida. “All the growers in Florida are ready to turn the page from last year. It …
Cold-hardy citrus producers need to be prepared for a potential freeze event next week. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, cautioned growers on the UGA Citrus Blog that temperatures are expected to drop in the low 30s across the region next Monday and Tuesday, and perhaps in the upper 20s in some areas. The …
With the fall and winter crop season underway, many growers have workers in the fields. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations have caused concerns about agents coming to farms and how to prepare in the event that a visit occurs. The Department of Labor (DOL) released a report that linked ICE enforcement to higher food costs and supply risks. This …
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start preparing for the Christmas holidays; whether you’re a home owner or a Christmas tree producer. According to Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, Christmas tree farmers are in the final stages of preparation with farms expected to be flooded with visitors in the upcoming weeks. …
By Clint Thompson Vegetable growers had a new insect to manage this year with the cotton jassid. If it shows up in early spring next year, though, that challenge will be amplified for the 2026 season, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “The big question’s going to be what happens during the winter going into the …
By Clint Thompson Just because pecan harvests have begun across the Southeast does not mean growers should stop applying water to their trees – not with the prolonged drought that has impacted the region, including pecan-producing areas in Georgia and Alabama. That’s the message that Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, wants producers to remember. Because the …
WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) is disappointed that the U.S.-Japan agreement did not include fresh market access for U.S. potatoes. Japan has delayed this market access request from the U.S. for 30 years, including delays as recently as October. “It is very disappointing that the U.S. was unable to use President Trump’s tariff leverage to push past Japan’s …
The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …
By Frank Giles The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned in late September after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. The well-known economist provided several macroeconomic observations about the current financial standing of the …
