NCDA&CS Extends Deadline for Private Pesticide Applicators Seeking Recertification

Clint ThompsonNorth Carolina

RALEIGH – Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene on pesticide training and recertification in North Carolina, private pesticide applicators statewide will have until Dec. 20 to meet their recertification requirements. “We made the decision to extend the deadline to give private pesticide applicators more time to obtain their recertification because we knew those in the impacted counties would likely …

Mental Health Survey Underway in Florida

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers might have heard about the Mind Your Melon mental health awareness campaign as it has gained more attention in recent years. Marshal Sewell and his wife Taylor officially launched Mind Your Melon in May of 2022 during Mental Health Awareness Month. Movement Takes Shape Mental health has been a passion for Sewell since 2007 …

Drought Monitor: Alabama Still Mostly Dry

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Drought-like conditions remain prevalent across most of Alabama, while abnormally dry conditions are observed in Southeast Georgia. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions comprise most of Alabama, except for an area located along the Alabama-Georgia border. Moderate conditions are observed in Southwest Alabama, starting in Mobile and …

Dry Period Key for South Florida Vegetables Following Hurricane Milton

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A looming dry period would be just what the doctor ordered for South Florida vegetable farmers impacted by Hurricane Milton last week. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey said high winds and tornadic activity wreaked havoc with certain crops that were in the ground. It leaves them …

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Florida Ag Sector Asked to Share Impacts of Hurricane Milton

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida agricultural sector has been asked to share the adverse impacts of Hurricane Milton last week. Producers can complete a survey, or they can also report information to their local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension county offices by calling or visiting in person. Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9. …

Rep. Scott: Ag-Specific Appropriation Needs to Move At Same Time As Others

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The damage has been done by Hurricane Helene on farmers in the Southeast. Producers will need financial relief as soon as possible, says U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.). Scott made the passionate plea during last Thursday’s press conference in Soperton, Georgia. “When we go to Congress, we will have to put together an ag-specific appropriation for the …

Hurricane Milton Impact: Florida Blueberry Bushes Survive Latest Storm

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Initial assessments of Florida blueberry bushes following Hurricane Milton last week indicate some impact across impacted areas – but nothing catastrophic. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, talked with a handful of producers immediately following the storm’s trek across Florida. He compared it to a previous hurricane that …

Alabama Extension Specialist: Potential for Neopestalotiopsis is Having Severe Impact

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The threat of neopestalotiopsis on strawberry plants in the Southeast is having a “severe impact on the industry,” according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “A lot of nursery owners have opted either to not sell plants or are advising the growers that they’re taking the …

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Marketing Plan Essential for Growers

Dan CooperMarketing

Crop production is only half the battle for citrus growers in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. The other half is knowing where that crop is headed once it is harvested. Bill Barber, Ag Services LLC and Certified Crop Adviser, stressed to growers during a recent citrus meeting that they should have a marketing …

Georgia Ag Partners Launch Joint Hurricane Relief Fund for Farmers Impacted by Helene

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in a partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and in support by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), has launched the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund to aid farmers and ranchers facing devastating losses from Hurricane Helene. The fund aims to raise $1 million by December to provide direct financial aid to …