WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding crop insurance tailored for nursery producers to all counties in all states. Nursery Value Select (NVS) is a pilot program that enables nursery growers to select the dollar amount of coverage that best fits their risk management needs. Its expansion is part of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) efforts to …
UGA Pecan Specialist: India Has a Lot of Promise
By Clint Thompson The inability for pecan producers to depend on China as a future export destination means Southeast growers must find a viable alternative. With nearly 1.5 billion people, India may be that option that farmers are looking for. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, is highlighting India in his presentations during the winter production meetings. …
Abnormally Dry Conditions Present in Southeast
Abnormally dry weather conditions are more prevalent in one area of the Southeast, though the region remains mostly drought free, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southwest corner of Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. The dry area in Alabama starts in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expands northward to include …
Whitefly Populations Increasing Across South Florida
Vegetable farmers should be aware that whitefly populations are increasing across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting medium to high levels in watermelon, eggplant, tomatoes and brassicas across Southeast Florida. All life stages of the insect are present. Following the late fall tomato crop, scouts noticed an increase in younger plantings as …
Sneak Peek: March 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts weed management in the spotlight. Amid concerns over a lack of a dependable workforce and need to reduce input costs, growers need to be more efficient in their production strategies like weed control. Nathan Boyd, weed scientist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), along with …
USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs
WASHINGTON – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the report this week, Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program (PDF, 248 KB), authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA). The GCSA was signed into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This report justifying the …
Georgia Citrus Industry ‘Looking Forward’
The citrus industry has found footing in Georgia and needs continued support as this promising industry marches toward the future. Events like the Georgia Citrus Association annual meeting on Feb. 27 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center provided information tailored to protecting growers’ investments. “One of the things we wanted to do differently this year is remind …
Ambrosia Beetle Impact: Insect Pest a Concern for Southeast Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Ambrosia beetle damage on vulnerable young trees is a concern for pecan producers in the Southeast. Trees that are most vulnerable are young and stressed, especially those under flooded conditions. Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, is cautioning growers about beetle damage during this winter’s pecan production meetings throughout …
El Niño Effect: North Florida Melon Producers Be Wary of Potential Disease Buildup
By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …
National Potato Council Releases New Report on Economic Potential of U.S. Potato Exports
WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of U.S. potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs. “The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports,” …