By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion industry specialists are optimistic about this year’s crop despite the challenges it encountered during the early part of the production season at Christmas time. Multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures stymied the growth of plants after they were just put into the ground. It led to some plant stand issues, said Chris Tyson, University of Georgia …
Weather Impacts on Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Steady rainfall this production season has increased disease pressure in Georgia strawberries. Diseases like anthracnose and phytophthora root rot have been common occurrences in strawberry fields this year, said Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “There have been several things in strawberries that have been problematic this year, and diseases have been …
Lull in Strawberry Crop Across Central Alabama
By Clint Thompson The current lull in strawberry supply in middle Alabama is attributed to the mid-March freeze event. Plants were vulnerable to temperatures that dropped in the mid-20s, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “Right now, we’re seeing a reduction in volume just based off of the freeze event that we had in March,” Lawrence said. …
Voices Heard: Farmers, Industry Leaders Express Concerns During Farm Bill Listening Session
By Clint Thompson Agricultural leaders and producers in the Southeast voiced their concerns and appreciation to members of the House Committee on Agriculture during a Farm Bill listening session held Monday in Newberry, Florida. The conference room at the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences-Newberry location was standing room only as farmers and industry leaders representing the agricultural sector …
Scenes From the Show
The Florida Grower Citrus Show was a hit! Check out some photos from the event.
Adaptation, Dedication and Fearlessness Allow Pebbledale Farms to Thrive
By Tacy Callies In a state known for Northern transplants, fifth-generation Floridians aren’t frequently found — unless you work in agriculture. Chris and Tina Connell, owners of Pebbledale Farms, are proud to call themselves fifth-generation Floridians. Tina’s grandfather grew strawberries and peppers. Chris was raised in the phosphate mining business, and his grandfather was a citrus grower and rancher. The …
Be Sure Campaign Marks Fifth Anniversary
There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, …
UF/IFAS Hosts Lebbeck Mealybug Workshop
Researchers are offering a lebbeck mealybug detection workshop in Fort Pierce on April 25. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC). Register for the meeting here. Lebbeck mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) is an invasive pest that can cost the fruit …
Be Sure Campaign Marks Fifth Anniversary
There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. In …
Drought Lingers Throughout Most of Florida
The extreme drought present in southern Florida has moved up the east coast, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The extreme dry conditions are now present in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. A severe drought continues to be observed throughout most of the state, starting as far north as Dixie and Gilchrist counties …