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Greenhouse bell pepper and tomato imports increased in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census reported organic and greenhouse trade for some vegetables and pulse crops. Some of the highlights included: Greenhouse bell pepper import volume was up 6.2 million pounds, 1% higher …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Pickleworms have arrived in Charleston already. Keep a look out to protect your cucurbits, especially your cucumbers and summer squash, which they prefer. But they can also be damaging …
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in recent weeks has made the peach crop across the Southeast susceptible to disease buildup. According to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, it has been one disease that is of most concern. “Generally, the crop is excellent. We’ve got a big crop. Hopefully, we can carry a high percentage of …
By Clint Thompson The National Labor Relations Act excludes farm workers from federal protections, which forbids an employer from firing a worker for joining, organizing or supporting a labor union. It is a piece of legislation upheld by the Supreme Court in 2021, citing the 5th and 14th Amendments. So why is the Department of Labor implementing a final rule …
The 2024 Peach Field Day will be held Tuesday, July 16, at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs, North Carolina, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to growers and anyone interested in learning more about producing peaches and the peach industry in North Carolina. Specialists from North Carolina State University as well as …
This is the first in a two-part series about DOL’s Final Rule By Clint Thompson To say that Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, is upset by a new H-2A rule implemented by the Department of Labor (DOL) would be an understatement. The agriculture leader is infuriated by the recent announcement and …
By Clint Thompson Central Florida farmers interested in producing tropical fruits need to consider the risks just as much as the potential benefits of such an investment, believes one industry expert. Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, cautions growers about overextending their farming operations and monetary investments in an …
CASCO, Wis. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. It will create jobs and spur …
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for this year’s summer grower meetings scheduled for July throughout central Florida. This summer’s meeting schedule includes, Polk County, Monday, July 15, 10 a.m., Polk County Extension Office; Lake County, Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m., Lake County Extension Office; Hardee County, Friday, July 19, 10 a.m., Hardee County Extension Office; …
By Clint Thompson One citrus leader is optimistic about this year’s crop in the cold-hardy citrus region. “We’ve had some fruit drop on trees, which is to be expected, but mostly are we going to have a bumper crop this year. I think everyone I’ve talked to has said that their trees are loaded. We’re going to have a lot …
