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By Clint Thompson Unprecedented diesel prices are the latest in a long line of challenges that threaten the sustainability of the family farm. “I mean we’re spraying like crazy,” said South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. “We’ve got whiteflies all over the place. We’re having to spray more and spend more on chemicals because the whiteflies are so bad. We’re …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can apply for loans of up to $500,000 to restore, repair or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, …
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease continues to threaten strawberry production across the Southeast. One of the most efficient ways to overcome the disease is to rotate the crop, in and out of a field. But that can be easier said than done, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I tell producers, strawberry …
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) reminds the state’s citrus growers that if they plan to ship fresh citrus to Florida for packing, there are certain guidelines they must adhere to. The state of Florida requires all fresh citrus fruit coming into the state to be inspected for and free from citrus canker, sweet orange scab and citrus black spot …
Pest Alert: Ghost Snail (Bulimulus bonariensis) Bulimulus snails, sometimes called ghost or peanut snails, have increasingly become problematic for growers. The snails are an invasive species native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. They likely arrived in the United States on more than one occasion and from multiple locations. Where Is It? The snail was initially recognized as …
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. Lowcountry Report Zack Snipes Midlands Report Sarah Scott Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown
RALEIGH — Fall is a time for planting and preparing for the upcoming growing season. It is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic recommendations specific to what you are growing. Now is also the time to submit soil samples for faster turnaround times and to avoid peak-season …
By Clint Thompson Back-to-back weekends of increased rainfall in the cold-hardy citrus region have left some citrus susceptible to fruit splitting. Growers are advised to discard any fruit showing the condition. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed the danger of the region’s fruit following Hurricane Isaias and its impact moving through the Gulf …
Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) has proven its effectiveness in helping Florida citrus producers overcome citrus greening disease. Its place in the cold-hardy citrus region remains a question, however. Arnold Schumann, professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center and leading CUPS researcher, discussed the potential for CUPS in the …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Isaias’ trek through the Southeast soaked much of Southwest Georgia this past weekend, which had already experienced increased moisture the prior week. The storm impacted much of the fall vegetable crops which are in the ground, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). He advises his growers about proper …
