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By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers scored a significant win last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to discontinue the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). The FLS helped the Department of Labor determine the AEWR, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in every state. Rates have spiraled out of control in recent years. Michael Marsh, president …
By Clint Thompson Back-to-back seasons of hurricane activity have significantly impacted pecan production for one Georgia grower. Instead of being down and out following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, though, Buck Paulk is rebounding with new and improved orchards and a new outlook on his farming life. “You just go through it and do it and still …
By Clint Thompson Bamboo’s future as an alternative crop for Florida growers will be determined by two factors: Oversupply and labor needs. According to Michael Rogers, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center Director and Professor of Entomology and Nematology, the potential for too much bamboo is not realistic considering its many …
Georgia citrus growers need fertilizer recommendations that are specific to the state’s production. This would allow growers to make better decisions concerning crop management. That is one of the reasons Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, was hired in August 2024. She is conducting research that will benefit Georgia growers who need to mostly …
By Clint Thompson Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), was a featured speaker during last week’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. His main objective was to provide a broad overview of the citrus and specialty crop economies. They have faced their share of challenges over the past couple of decades but have …
Labor Day weekend is an unofficial start to football season in the Southeast. That means a traditional tailgating experience, especially for college football fans supporting their favorite teams. While tailgating allows for fans to gather together and enjoy specific foods like hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken wings, it should also remind people that food safety remains a top priority. Meredith …
With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), farmers may soon find it easier to remove strawberry runners. It could save time and labor, new University of Florida research shows. Growers need all the help they can get to reduce production costs for an industry estimated at $500 million a year in Florida. Strawberry plants can grow special stems called runners. …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers have made significant progress in finding ways to manage citrus greening disease. But solutions needs to be expedited for the sake of the citrus industry’s future in Florida. Scott Angle, UF/IFAS senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, emphasized that point during last week’s Citrus & Specialty Crop …
By Clint Thompson Southeast grape producers should be mindful of Pierce’s Disease (PD) potentially developing in their respective vineyards. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia (UGA) viticulture Extension specialist, highlighted in the UGA Viticulture Blog that the disease is more likely to show up later in the season. “Generally, the first symptom to show up is marginal necrosis on the leaves. …
By Clint Thompson Georgia specialty crop producers are reminded that this year’s Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Ag Labor Relations Forum is scheduled for Sept. 16-17 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Labor industry leaders will provide attendees pertinent information needed to navigate the complex and complicated world of ag labor, including …
