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By Clint Thompson Increased drought in North Alabama has farmers concerned about decreasing pond levels. Ponds are a major source of irrigation during the production season. But the lack of rain this fall has caused those sources to dry up considerably, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “They’re down because the water table is so low. We’re …
The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) expressed disappointment in response to President Trump’s aid package for farmers that was announced on Monday. The USDA announced that $12 billion will be made available in one time bridge payments to farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The payments are intended, partially, to …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers are in the planning stages for next year’s crop in the Suwanee Valley region. That made Thursday’s Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida, especially important. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers highlighted trendy topics that producers must consider, a little more than two months away from …
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell across the Southeast during the fall has prompted pecan producers to consider applying irrigation to their trees at a time when it is usually not required. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, explains the reasoning. “I’ve had a lot of growers call over the last couple of weeks. Normally this time …
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner expressed concerns about the impact of produce imports from Mexico under the current U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a public hearing held on Dec. 3. He reported significant losses in sales, market share and jobs within Florida’s produce industry due to unfairly priced imports from Mexico. The testimony was delivered as part of …
By Clint Thompson It is that time of the year when peach producers and industry leaders are keeping tabs on chilling hours. Peaches need chill hours to mature properly. Growers can largely gauge the success of the following season on how many chill hours their crop receives over the winter. According to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist …
MACON, Ga. – Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 7-9 for the organization’s 88th annual convention. The convention theme is “Rise and Thrive,” and this will be the 61st time GFB has held its annual meeting on Jekyll Island, including every state convention held since 1976. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia House Speaker …
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 Sarah Scott Pee Dee
By Clint Thompson The December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Hunter Farms, a South Carolina family-based operation that specializes in strawberries. Eric Hunter, who owns and operates Hunter Farms with his wife, Kristi, says strawberry farming is a calling. They produce approximately five acres every year along with plug plants for other growers. Hunter Farms also operates an …
By Clint Thompson The current dry spell impacting the Southeast could impact upcoming preparations for vegetable production, especially in South Georgia. The area, along with a patch in North Florida, is suffering through a prolonged dry period leading to exceptional drought designations in previous releases of the U.S. Drought Monitor. If the drought continues, it will likely hinder growers’ abilities …
