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By Clint Thompson One Alabama Extension agent is optimistic about his region’s citrus production expanding in the near future. Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, discussed the future of citrus in his coverage area, which consists mostly of satsuma mandarins. “At times it seems like (acres are) going down, but I will tell you I’ve had a lot …
By Clint Thompson The week prior to Memorial Day weekend is usually prime time for Florida’s sweet corn producers. This year is not any different, according to Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). “In terms of supply, we’ve got excellent supply in Florida for the holiday. I think you …
Florida specialty crop farmer Matt Parke may still be a relative newbie when it comes to blackberry production. But he seems to have figured out a secret to blackberry success in central Florida. “Here in central Florida we don’t get the chill hours required to make them flower good, so you’ve got to figure out how to trick them into …
By Rick Scott Florida growers play a critical role in providing for and contributing to the state, its families and businesses. They are job creators, innovators and hardworking Floridians that drive our state forward generation after generation and show the rewards of hard work in achieving the American dream. That’s why I am so proud to fight every day in …
John Bennett: “Everything is conducive right now for everything to go wrong.” By Clint Thompson Watermelons produced in Wilcox County, Georgia, are at baseball to softball size in most fields. Considering the late start to the planting season for most growers, that development is not far off for this time of year. John Bennett, University of Georgia (UGA) Wilcox County …
By Clint Thompson The watermelon season continues to move northward up the state of Florida. Harvests are well under way in the central and northern areas of the state. Laura Land, member of the executive council of the Florida Watermelon Association, highlighted the current season and where growers are concentrating their harvests. “The southern parts are coming to the end …
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding to expand the markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better markets for domestic organic products, provide hands-on training to producers transitioning to organic production and …
Downy mildew disease was observed in North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed in an email that downy mildew was confirmed in the southern part of the Suwannee Valley. He also reported that Ty Torrance, University of …
By Clint Thompson Herbicide drift’s impact on orchards in the Southeast has left many pecan producers wondering how to proceed. What should they do? Who should they contact? What evidence needs to be collected? Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, emphasizes the importance of documenting damage. “To cover all of their bases, in case there is an issue, …
Heavy rains over the past week have helped alleviate much of the drought-like conditions being observed across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest area remains in southern Florida. Abnormally dry conditions and moderately dry conditions are seen in the central and southern parts of the state. Abnormally dry conditions start as far north as Volusia and …
