By Clint Thompson Though rattled by sub-freezing temperatures during the Christmas holidays, Georgia’s blueberry crop was not severely impacted by prolonged temperatures in the 20s. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, says freeze events that occur later in the season are much more impactful. “For the vast majority, this freeze was not as big …
USDA Seeking Public Comments for Fertilizer Production Projects
SAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 2023 — 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 …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 3 at 5 p.m. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 25 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft …
Taking Fertilizer Knowledge to the Next Level
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Fertilizer Prices to Remain High for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson The high fertilizer prices gripping the agricultural world should improve some for farmers this year. But just a little. At the very least, costs are not expected to increase, says Glen Harris, University of Georgia (UGA) professor and Extension agronomist in environmental soil and fertilizer. “If you look back, fertilizer prices went up in 2008 but came …
Cabbage Prices High Amid Reduced Supply Following Freeze Event
By Clint Thompson Cabbage prices are extremely high for Southeast producers. That is good news for growers who actually have a crop. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most farmers. The Christmas freeze event impacted a lot of the crop, especially in Georgia. Hank Scott with Long and Scott Farms, discussed the impact that multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures had …
Taking Fertilizer Knowledge to the Next Level
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Cold Temperatures Did Not Eliminate Pepper Weevils, Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson Two insect pests of specialty crops in the Southeast were knocked back but not eliminated by the Christmas freeze event. Stormy Sparks, (UGA) Extension vegetable specialist, confirmed that pepper weevils and whiteflies are still a problem ahead of spring plantings despite multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures. “In whiteflies we killed a lot of adults. We probably did …
Registration open for 2023 Georgia Ag Forecast
By Jordan Powers Registration is now open for the 2023 Georgia Ag Forecast, which will be held Jan. 27 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. A live virtual option will also be available. The annual seminar, offered by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and UGA Extension, shares the latest research …
Tickets on Sale for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet
TAMPA, Fla. — Tickets are on sale for the 44th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will honor two inductees who have contributed to Florida agriculture – Donald Quincey and Dr. John T. Woeste. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 14. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in …