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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters occurring in 2022. “2022 was …
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall recently commented on the election of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) to be Speaker of the House. “AFBF congratulates Rep. Mike Johnson on his election to Speaker of the House. Speaker Johnson has a strong history of supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, which has earned him the ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award multiple …
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study concludes that blueberries are the second most popular berry in terms of value and volume of U.S. production. Highbush and lowbush varieties are the two main types, with highbush blueberries being used for the fresh market and lowbush used in the processed market. Approximately 90% of the total domestic …
By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion producers dodged Hurricane Idalia went it passed through the Southeast on Aug. 30. That, so far, has turned out to be the area’s only threat of a tropical system this fall. It has been a positive development for growers who are on the verge of transplanting this year’s crop, says Chris Tyson, University of …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Phillip Carnley Upstate Andy Rollins
By Clint Thompson More than a month has passed since the 2018 farm bill expired. A new one has yet to be finalized. An extension is expected by many within the industry. Specialty crop producers do not know when a new bill will be in place, especially since it will likely be dragged into 2024, which would have added significance …
By Clint Thompson Drought-like conditions continue to plague the Southeast region. That has made establishing cover crops a challenge for specialty crop producers hoping to utilize the management strategy. Extended periods of dry weather in the fall can impact cover crops being produced, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. …
Bacterial spot disease is on the rise in plantings in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Moderate levels of bacterial spot were reported in older plantings in central Florida. There have also been increases in bacterial spot, mostly on tomato crops, but also on susceptible pepper varieties in southwest Florida. Overall levels are normal or …
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) strawberry producers are late in getting their plants in the ground this fall. But it should not have long-term repercussions, according to Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. Wrenn said there were delays in his growers receiving plant materials, and it stemmed from poor weather conditions in Canada. The nursery stock …
By Will Jordan The November 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine will be hitting mailboxes and inboxes soon! Elias Eldayrie, University of Florida Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, shares how the hot technology of Artificial Intelligence is set to “supercharge” ag research, improve learning and benefit the specialty crop industry. Rebeckah Adcock, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) …
