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By Clint Thompson Cold-hardy citrus producers are reporting increased cases of bird damage to their young fruit. Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent, discussed the ongoing situation in the UGA Citrus Blog. While this is not a major concern for growers, it is an issue that they need to be aware of when surveying their citrus groves. …
By Clint Thompson Increased drought across Alabama means fruit and vegetable producers are more likely to treat for insects than for any potential disease buildup. The lack of rain, as evidenced by the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, means diseases lack the necessary moisture to build up. However, it poses increased risk for insect pressure, says Jacob …
By Clint Thompson Foliar insecticide applications are essential for pecan producers hoping to control pecan phylloxera, an insect pest in the Southeast. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed the insect during the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day at the UGA Ponder Farm in Tifton, Georgia. He stressed that foliar applications are most effective …
By Clint Thompson Labor remains a top priority for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers. Whether it’s staying in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or learning more about the H-2A and H-2B programs, specialty crop producers need events like this week’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum to stay updated on a topic that evolves regularly. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
Citrus has a brighter future in Florida and surrounding areas, according to one industry expert. Hopefully, there will be enough farmers left standing to profit from it. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, was a featured speaker at this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. He spoke about the industry’s future as it continues to navigate …
Clint Thompson Whitefly populations have always been problematic for Florida vegetable growers. Those problems have increased in recent years, according to one industry expert. Ryan Richards, a consultant with Simplot, was part of a panel discussion during last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The discussion centered on whiteflies. “I would say in the last 10 years, it’s a drastic …
By Clint Thompson The U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement’s official termination in mid-July has already impacted tomato prices and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), discussed the Consumer Price Index and its impact during an interview with AgNet Media at last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. He …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s mango industry has rebounded following a drastic production decrease following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. According to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, the industry hit its lowest point at about 1,000 acres but has more than tripled since. Fresh Florida-grown mangoes are producing high …
By Frank Giles There has been a lot of breaking news on the labor front lately. More came down just as we were set to send this issue to the printer. In late August, a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule. Opponents of the methodology applauded the …
By Clint Thompson The lack of rain in recent weeks has led to drought conditions worsening across the Southeast, according to the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama start in the southwest part of the state in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expand northward to Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Severe and moderate drought …
