By Clint Thompson An innovative way of producing specialty crops provides Florida growers a more efficient, and potentially, a more sustainable way of farming. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic of relay cropping during his presentation at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Relay …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Bruce McLean Upstate Andy Rollins
Transplant Establishment Key in Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson The extreme heat and extended dry period across the Southeast could impact the young vegetable crops that growers have planted this fall. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, emphasizes the importance of transplant establishment, especially during the current weather conditions. “We’re in that little window right now where …
Farmers Expand Lettuce Production Across Florida
Each year, U.S. farmers produce enough lettuce to feed everyone in the country. Up to 73% of U.S. lettuce comes from California producers and is distributed nationwide through extensive retail chains. Lettuce grown in Florida accounts for 3% of the national total and has a unique market window during the winter months. Traditionally, Florida lettuce has been grown between October …
Pecan Producers Should Stop Irrigation Ahead of Storm’s Arrival
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers need rain but they don’t need high wind speeds at this point in the growing season. That is why some, especially in the southeast part of the state, are on pins and needles this week awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Idalia. The storm’s potential landfall as a Category 3 storm means it could bring …
Growing Lettuce in Non-Traditional Areas of Florida
Each year, U.S. farmers produce enough lettuce to feed everyone in the country. Up to 73% of U.S. lettuce comes from California producers and is distributed nationwide through extensive retail chains. Lettuce grown in Florida accounts for 3% of the national total and has a unique market window during the winter months. Traditionally, Florida lettuce has been grown between October …
Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum Scheduled for Nov. 14-15
By Clint Thompson Georgia agriculture (Ag) employers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Nov. 14-15, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The two-day event attracts regulators and experts affiliated with the labor industry. The forum’s format enables employers, human resource managers and administrators to collaborate in securing a sustainable …
Warm Gulf Waters Fuel for Idalia
By Clint Thompson Idalia continues to churn towards the Southeast. The warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico are helping what could be a major hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida, develop in its path to the state’s west coast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the warmer gulf temperatures and their impact …
Florida Growers Get Update on Federal Relief Programs
Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), reported that a group of Florida citrus growers spoke to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency representatives about federal relief programs at the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The Expo was held this year at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. “This year’s Expo …
Hurricane Idalia’s Possible Impact on Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson The storm known as Idalia will become a hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida this week. That’s not good news for the region’s strawberry growers already preparing for the upcoming season. Producers are already laying plastic with expectations of planting their crop in September. A storm, with potential to reach Category 3 status, could …