By Clint Thompson The U.S. trade representative (USTR) promised specialty crop producers help but not an investigation into imports of Mexican produce. For one industry leader, that is at least an acknowledgement that Southeast fruit and vegetable producers are suffering from unfair trade practices. “The fact that they’ve agreed to set up a stakeholder committee is an acknowledgment that they …
Christmas Freeze Effect: ‘Every Variety’ of Georgia Citrus Suffered Damage
By Clint Thompson This winter season provided the first cold challenge for Georgia-produced citrus. With multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas week, the impact was not good for trees produced throughout the state. Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) Lowndes County Extension coordinator, discussed the situation during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Pretty much …
Nematode Applications Effective for Peachtree Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach producers who have problems with peachtree borer insects should consider nematodes as a management option. No, not the harmful worms that can devastate plants. These are entomopathogenic nematodes that seek and destroy the borer insects, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “If growers have peachtree …
Wild Radish More Challenging for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Wild radish has long been a problematic weed for vegetable producers. Unfortunately, the problem is becoming more of a challenge to manage. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the scenario facing growers during last weekend’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Wild radish has certainly been a challenge for …
Moth Counts Collected by Alabama Extension
Moth counts compiled by Alabama Extension showed that a wet spring and dry summer in 2022 had a major effect on pest populations. The following insect counts were collected last year at 26 locations from May to October. Beet armyworm activity was four times more than the fall armyworm. There were 807 beet armyworm moths in 2022 compared to 252 …
North Carolina Blueberry Growers Gather for Annual Open House
By Frank Giles The North Carolina Blueberry Council presented its 57th annual open house and trade show on Jan. 10–11 in Fayetteville. The event drew area growers to learn about the latest research from North Carolina State University (NC State) and to check out the latest products and services available on the trade show floor. Bill Cline, NC State entomologist …
USDA Citrus Forecast Drops Again
Florida citrus crops, already at historically low levels, were forecast Jan. 12 to fall even lower. The all-orange forecast fell 10% from the December projection. The grapefruit and tangerine/tangelo forecasts both tumbled 17%. The forecast was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS). If realized, the orange, grapefruit and tangerine/tangelo crops will be 56%, …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Discusses Role, Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s newly sworn-in Commissioner of Agriculture has made it clear; his top priority is ensuring the state’s family farms remain sustainable now and into the future. Tyler Harper, who was sworn into office on Thursday, discussed his main objectives will be in office while attending the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference last week. To no surprise …
FDOC Media Relations and Promotion of OJ
The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) worked with Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) and public relations agency Red Hill Strategies to manage media requests regarding crop forecasts and the impacts of hurricanes in 2022. The FDOC has also worked with FCM to develop a toolkit about the application of oxytetracycline in the fight against HLB. FDOC Director of Global Marketing Samantha Lane reported on that …
Public Comment Sought on Domestic Fertilizer Production
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation. “At USDA, our goal is to provide all farmers, including new and underserved producers, with the opportunity to receive the assistance they need to continue …