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By Clint Thompson Early season fungicide spray programs are critical for peach producers wanting to navigate certain diseases this time of year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about two diseases, in particular, that growers must be wary of. “As we’re moving into the spring, early peach development is very prone to disease. Two …
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Whiteflies have grown into one of the top concerns for specialty crop growers in the Southeast. The memories of the 2017 outbreak are still fresh in the minds of many who lost entire crops to the swarming clouds of the pest. According to “The 2017 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates” report compiled by Elizabeth …
By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …
Whitefly populations are low in some areas across southern Florida and high in others, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports show low levels of whiteflies in tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Moderate levels are reported in watermelon and bean fields. Scouts are reporting low population levels of whitefly in tomatoes along the …
By Clint Thompson Alabama farmers and homeowners interested in learning how to grow Christmas trees are invited to attend a Christmas tree workshop, hosted by Alabama Extension. It will be held on April 5 at the Farm House Café in Thorsby, Alabama. Sign in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the classroom educational session being held from 10 a.m. to …
By Clint Thompson Machine harvesters are a necessity for Florida’s blueberry industry to remain viable heading into the future. Considering the input expenses that accompany blueberry production in the Sunshine State, growers need to reduce their labor needs and rely more on automated harvesters. Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, manages another …
By Clint Thompson Southeast Georgia pecan orchards were ravaged last year from Hurricane Helene. Growers impacted by the storm need to be wary of what this year’s crop will look like before investing in it. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the crop outlook during this winter’s county meetings. “Any time we have a major hurricane come …
By Clint Thompson Georgia specialty crop producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024 need legislative help to maintain their farming operations. Georgia legislators are doing their part to assist those farmers. The governor’s disaster package, also known as HB 223, passed the Senate last week and went back to the House. The bill would allow disaster payments to be state …
RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice. “It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. …
By Clint Thompson An important piece of Georgia legislation that would protect business owners and ease insurance rates passed the House of Representatives this week. SB 68, a bill dealing with tort reform, passed the House and now heads to the Senate. If passed, it is expected to be signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
