Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Andy Rollins reports, “Based on Dr. Jeremy Pattisons’ work on fall development in strawberries, we need to have between 600 growing degree days (GDD) (Chandler) and 800 GDD (Camarosa) from October to December. It is suspected that …
Farmworker Groups Lobby for Immigration Bill
More than 60 farmworker groups from across America traveled to Washington last week to urge the Senate to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The United Farmworkers (UFW), the UFW Foundation and other groups made the trip to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the bill, which is a compromise between farm and labor leaders and supported by most farm groups. …
Satsuma Overload: Citrus Growers Need to Diversify
By Clint Thompson Citrus harvest season is in full swing across the North Florida/South Georgia production region. One thing is certain this season: Growers need to diversify their farming operations with citrus varieties other than satsuma mandarins. Grower Kim Jones, who also owns a citrus packing facility in Monticello, Florida, and is part-owner of a similar facility in Tifton, Georgia, …
CRAFT Cycle Four Application Deadline Extended
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program is now accepting applications for the fourth cycle of trials. The deadline for applications has been extended to Dec. 31, 2022. This cycle will follow practices established in the first three cycles by partnering with growers to evaluate the effectiveness and economic feasibility of HLB mitigation strategies in commercial settings. The CRAFT …
Cost of Thanksgiving Meal is Up Significantly
Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans, and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is …
Peel Protection Key for Citrus Growers
Citrus growers producing for the fresh market should always ensure their fruit’s peel remains unblemished and without defect. This will protect the fruit against infection and consumers choosing not to purchase the fruit. Mark Ritenour, professor of postharvest technology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, spoke during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day at the …
Pecan Prices Remain Low Across Southeast
Pecan prices remain low, forcing growers to hold large volumes this week, waiting to see if there will be prices to be considered for offers or deciding to keep them in storage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pecan Report. Buyers for retail and the candy trade are purchasing as needed while waiting for more offerings and price agreements …
Delayed Shuck Split for Stuart Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson Stuart pecan varieties have a history of an interrupted and prolonged shuck split. This has been magnified under the current conditions that show a heavy crop load and dry soils. It is very similar to 2016, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog. Wells said growers are concerned …
Christmas Trees Arriving at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
CHARLOTTE – Fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees will be arriving at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market Friday for shoppers eager to get a jump on their holiday decorating. To accommodate shoppers, the market will be open every Sunday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. “Our state is renowned for its Christmas trees, ranking second in …
Tomatoes Fetching Strong Prices
By Clint Thompson Tomato prices remain high for those vegetable growers who actually have a crop. A lack of supply following Hurricane Ian has aided in prices exceeding $30 per box, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. He said Florida production is half of what it should be. Growers are still a month away from production normalizing itself. …