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Drought-like conditions are expanding and worsening in areas across the Southeast, according to the Sept. 24 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama Severe drought conditions are observed in parts of Alabama, starting in Escambia County in South Alabama, stretching northward to Greene, Hale, Tuscaloosa, Bibb and Chilton counties near the central part of the state. Moderate conditions include Mobile …
By Clint Thompson Management of phony peach disease remains simple for Southeast growers – destroy the infected tree before it becomes more of a problem than it already is. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said in a prior interview that the disease is caused by a bacteria and reduces production to nearly zero. The …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Lowcountry Report Zack Snipes The cooler mornings have been a nice surprise lately. We are pretty dry in most production areas along the coast. Midlands Report Rob Last Pee Dee Report Bruce McLean Parts …
By Clint Thompson Cooler temperatures are on the way in the Southeast. It’s not a moment too soon for farmers and residents in Florida, Alabama and Georgia who have endured high temperatures well into September. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the heat and what’s on the horizon during an interview with AgNet Media. “It looks …
By Clint Thompson North Florida and South Georgia watermelon growers should mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 3 for the annual Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Suwannee River Fair Facility in Fanning Springs, Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Ag labor reform is necessary for long-term sustainability for fruit and vegetable farmers, especially those located in the Southeast region. But change is also needed for growers to have certainty as to what they are paying for workers in the H-2A program. Right now, that does not exist, says Mike Joyner, president of the …
By Clint Thompson Scab resistant pecan varieties are popular among Alabama and Georgia growers these days. Varieties like Lakota, Avalon and Creek are used so producers can minimize the amount of fungicide sprays they must make during a growing season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overwhelming an orchard with one or more of a …
By Frank Giles In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) can make images and videos that look real, scammers are taking advantage of the technology and all the ways potential victims can be reached through their phones, emails and social media accounts. A Specialty Crop Grower article last month featured Gene McAvoy, a well-known agriculturalist, whose Facebook page was hacked. …
By Clint Thompson Elderberry is a high value crop that Alabama Extension is hoping growers can take better advantage of. Holt Akers-Campbell, Alabama Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said there is not an Alabama producer who produces elderberry on a large scale. It’s been mostly reserved for small growers, but the potential is there for it to grow in popularity. …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The cyclospora outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce and sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states could have lingering repercussions long after the CDC and FDA declared it over on Sept. 11. That’s the fear shared by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. “Our growers will tell you that they feel …
