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RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) State Fair’s Farm Family of the Day, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its fourth year to recognize and celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind its $111.1 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry. “The N.C. State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new …
Registration is under way for the Southeast Strawberry Expo, slated for Nov. 12-14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The Expo will be divided into different events held each day. A new grower workshop will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A farm tour will be …
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Growers should stay vigilant with their insecticide sprays, especially in areas that have been void of the rainfall in recent days. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed pest management and what insects that producers should currently be mindful of. “Right now, …
By Clint Thompson Muscadine research is essential to the industry’s long-term sustainability in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeder Patrick Conner is using his research on the UGA Tifton Campus to help make the industry more viable and profitable. He talked about what is at the forefront of his research studies during a recent field day on the UGA …
By Clint Thompson Citrus has a bright future for specialty crop growers in South Georgia. The University of Georgia sees that potential and wants to help producers achieve production success – now and into the future. Its recent hiring of Mary Sutton as the new citrus Extension specialist should aid in that process. Sutton started on Aug. 1 and is …
A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study discovered new insights into how fruit detachment happens in muscadine grapes, paving the way for the possibility of mechanical harvesting. The research, aimed at reducing the high costs of manual labor associated with muscadine production, identified critical characteristics of the fruit’s genetics that make them easier to pluck …
The 2024 Florida Tomato Institute drew a large crowd of growers and other industry stakeholders to Clewiston, Florida, in early September. The event showcases the latest in tomato research, new product offerings from industry and a food-safety workshop. TOMATO TRADE DEFICIT Zhengfei Guan, an economist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), spoke about the …
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry period affecting all of Alabama could impact strawberry plantings if there is no rain soon. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Alabama is experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions. That doesn’t tell the whole story, however, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We are dry. That drought monitor is …
By Clint Thompson An active tropical season this fall is concerning for Florida’s blueberry growers. According to Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, this time of year is when blueberry bushes are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when Florida experiences a bulk of hurricane activity. “In …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of the Debt Consolidation Tool, an innovative online tool available through farmers.gov that allows producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might be provided by obtaining a debt consolidation loan with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or a local lender. “Providing producers …
