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By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to worsen across parts of the Southeast, as pop-up thunderstorms have only impacted certain areas of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. This is according to the Sept. 10 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama It wasn’t that long ago that most of Alabama was drought free and had sufficient moisture. That is in the …
By Clint Thompson One Alabama farmer has cultivated a niche farming practice with his hydroponics operation. Hydroponics is a farming practice where a producer grows plants using a water-based mineral nutrient solution instead of traditional soil. It’s a process that Ralf Du Toit has made sustainable since 2012 with Extreme Greens Farm in Auburn, Alabama. While the main focus is …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The lack of farm bill progression is enough to dampen the optimism that industry experts might have that one gets passed this year. But according to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner, he believes the eagerness to get a farm bill passed will be enough to push it over the finish …
The Last Word: By Lena Juarez Every farm has a story to tell. Behind every field of blueberries, grove of citrus, vegetable operation or tropical fruit orchard are families whose hard work, resilience and passion have shaped Florida agriculture for generations. Today, more than ever, consumers want to hear those stories. They want to know where their food comes from, …
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to persist across areas of the Southeast. They’re likely to continue in the near term, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. But that won’t always be the case amid a strong El Niño. “The signal for El Niño this winter is very strong, which means that sooner or later we’re …
By Clint Thompson Bacterial spot disease remains a challenge for peach growers in the Southeast. Even after last year’s weather conditions were not conducive for the disease’s development, growers should consider it a threat every year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about the disease and its impact in an interview with AgNet Media. …
By Frank Giles An “alternative crop” is somewhat of a loaded term. What qualifies a particular plant as alternative varies widely. When does an alternative crop cross the line into being considered conventional? Is a more traditional crop planted in a new area, alternative? What about when new production systems take over in what are considered conventional crops? Those questions …
By Clint Thompson A federal court’s ruling that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current adverse effect wage rate methodology is unlawful was a setback for producers and industry leaders. One of those leaders is Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Executive Director Chris Butts. He advises farmers on what the next step should be in this frustrating process. “Take …
By Clint Thompson This year’s summer season is on its last leg with fall weather on the horizon. For the second straight summer, the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, did not experience a hurricane or tropical storm. It’s not a surprise to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, who attributes the lack of Atlantic tropical activity to …
By Clint Thompson Pecan scab disease was high this year in some areas in Georgia. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted what pecan-producing areas have experienced more scab than others. “On the eastern side of the state, it’s been a little drier and so the pressure has not been as bad. We didn’t see nearly as much …
