Thanksgiving remains an important time for many Americans. The cost of the meal this year is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this season’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from …
OPINION: Shipping Law Under Scrutiny Amid Supply-Chain Struggles
In a time when the world is trying to emerge from a global pandemic and eyes the prospect of an energy and food crisis, policies should encourage increasing productivity and the flow of goods. But as the old saying goes, it takes time to turn around a ship. Speaking of ships, have you ever heard of the Jones Act? The …
Post-Ian Fertilizer Exemption Allowed
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issued an emergency rule on Monday allowing enrolled producers to apply a replacement fertilizer to reestablish crops impacted by Hurricane Ian without fear of being out of compliance with their respective Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals. FDACS recommends producers conduct soil testing to confirm the need for replacement fertilizer prior to …
N.C. Producers Should Be Wary of Self-Diagnosing Strawberry Diseases
By Clint Thompson Disease diagnosis is better left to the experts. North Carolina strawberry producers who are concerned their crop is infected with crown rots should be wary about diagnosing the disease themselves. Different diseases require specific chemical treatments, says Bill Cline, North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension specialist in small fruits production. Concerned growers should submit their samples to the …
FDACS Issues Fertilizer Application Exemption
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issued an emergency rule on Monday allowing enrolled producers to apply a replacement fertilizer to reestablish crops impacted by Hurricane Ian without fear of being out of compliance with their respective Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals. FDACS recommends producers conduct soil testing to confirm the need for replacement fertilizer prior to …
Impact of Late Strawberry Plantings Across Northern Alabama
By Clint Thompson The lack of moisture in North Alabama led to delayed strawberry plantings for some growers. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, expected this would be the outcome in October. He discussed what this means for those producers impacted. “We got strawberries in, finally. We’re a couple of weeks behind what we needed to. Some people …
Florida Blueberry Growers ‘Back on Their Feet’ Following Two Fall Hurricanes
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop is in good shape heading into the upcoming production season, all things considering. “I would say in general, folks are back on their feet,” says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. Phillips’ optimistic outlook comes on the heels of two named storms; Hurricane Ian in …
‘Plenty’ of Christmas Trees in Stock
By Clint Thompson It is that time of year again when families across the Southeast will venture out to Christmas tree farms to find that nice addition to the Christmas season this year. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, says there are plenty of trees to choose from this holiday season. “I think that supply …
GFVGA Leader: H-2A Dominates the Conversation at Labor Relations Forum
By Clint Thompson The H-2A program remains a hot topic for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. It certainly was a focus of the Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum hosted by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) earlier this month. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the GFVGA, discussed the meeting which was held on Nov. 9-10 in Tifton, Georgia. …
Lots of Leftovers: Food Safety Important This Thanksgiving Season
By Clint Thompson Thanksgiving is the annual gathering of family, food and fellowship. But it can also be a time of spoilage and germs if food is not properly stored following a meal. Keith Schneider, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of food science and human nutrition, said in UF/IFAS article that foods that …