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By Clint Thompson Agricultural pests are sometimes not just bugs and diseases but include animals looking for a food source. Unfortunately, for Georgia’s specialty crop producers, that food source is often their crops. Georgia’s legislative leaders are arming state agencies with substantial funding in next year’s budget to tackle this problem. Included in the budget was $150,000 directed to the …
By Clint Thompson Alabama fruits and vegetables were highlighted on Saturday as part of the third annual Sweet Grown Alabama Day throughout the state. Aisling Walding, assistant director for Sweet Grown Alabama, said the spotlight was put on Alabama agriculture at 14 participating farmers markets. “Sweet Grown Alabama Day was just a way to show love to Alabama farmers and …
VALDOSTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the fresh market beans insurance program to two southern Florida counties: Hendry and Palm Beach. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) currently offers coverage in New York, North Carolina and Virginia. “Fresh market bean growers in Florida and stakeholders have asked for crop insurance,” said Davina Lee, director of RMA’s …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2024, which became effective July 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help producers 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 with our …
By Frank Giles In 1928, three young brothers began selling produce off a pushcart on the streets of Boston. That was the beginning of DiMare Company, a family business that has now spanned generations and has grown into diversified farming operations. The company is one of the largest field grown tomato producers and packers in the United States. “We are …
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch continues to show adequate evidence in North Florida watermelon research that it provides strong nutsedge control. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed this year’s research with the WestRock product. “We’re very excited about the potential in the future. There’s no …
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are on the horizon for Georgia producers. How many yields the state’s pecan farmers will produce is almost impossible to estimate, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “It’s hard to really put a number on or estimate Georgia’s pecan production at this point because of all the planting that’s taken place …
Earlier this year, Jessica Chitwood-Brown took over the lead tomato breeding post at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. The center has a long history of tomato breeding success. One of her objectives is to continue the effort to breed stakeless tomatoes, which could facilitate mechanical …
Dry conditions continue to persist across the Southeast with certain areas intensifying in North Florida, Georgia and Alabama. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions concentrate most of Northeast Florida. The drought starts as far west as Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty and Franklin counties and extends eastward to Duval, Saint Johns and Flagler counties and southward to Volusia, Marion …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are winding down across South Georgia. Late-season rainfall has sparked disease outbreaks in fields, says Tim Flanders, a watermelon scout. “Most of the folks I’m dealing with are beginning to wrap up. I’ve got some late watermelons that I guess they will continue to try to go for a while, but that’s just a small …
