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By Clint Thompson Two bioassays conducted at the University of Georgia (UGA) showed diamide insecticide resistance developing in beet armyworms. How widespread it is remains a mystery, says Stormy Sparks, UGA Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “That showed up last year. We’re still not sure how widespread it is. We’ve gotten reports from multiple crops, multiple people, multiple insecticides,” Sparks said. …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning this week through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations from specialty crop stakeholders to serve on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). The deadline for nominations is Sept. 3, 2024. To help industry members through the nomination process, USDA will offer the following virtual office hours via Zoom: at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16115836517. Thursday, August 15: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. …
The impact of Hurricane Debby on the cold-hardy citrus region appears minimal, according to one industry expert. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission, said any damage from the wind-heavy storm was limited to the younger citrus trees. Savelle has groves in Georgia’s Thomas County. Young Trees “When we get a …
By Clint Thompson Since 2019, Sweet Grown Alabama has been synonymous with marketing locally grown crops in the state. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson hopes to continue that expansion over the next five years and beyond. “We have been incredibly proud of the growth of Sweet Grown Alabama in just five short years, and we are continuing to gain …
The second annual Growing Together Symposium was hosted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in early August. The event was a forum for growers and agricultural industry professionals to learn about various business-related topics. Center director Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski welcomed attendees and noted the Apopka, Florida, facility is continuing its …
By Clint Thompson The current dry weather in North Georgia is impacting specialty crop production. That’s not a bad thing for producers growing pumpkins, explains Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in North Georgia. He outlined what the pumpkin crop is experiencing this time of year. “Once those plants get out there and get real big, it takes a whole …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for August 2024, which became effective Aug. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work …
On the heels of Hurricane Debby’s trek through the Southeast this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane that FSA has programs and resources available to provide assistance in recovery efforts. It is critical that producers keep accurate records to document damage or loss and report losses …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …
