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To make a successful return on their investment, growers need to accurately predict how much crop they might produce in a given season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are developing web-based tools that incorporate artificial intelligence to help producers with yield predictions. Such forecasts are critical. In Florida, the production value for strawberries was …
By Clint Thompson Increased rains this summer have helped alleviate much of the drought being experienced across the Southeast. According to the June 18 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought has all but disappeared in North Florida, while there is minimal extreme drought conditions in various parts of Georgia, and much of Alabama is reporting zero drought conditions. …
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall across South Georgia in recent weeks is not ideal timing for the area’s watermelon producers in the middle of harvesting this year’s crop. “We’d prefer it, obviously, like we’ve talked about many times, the drier the better for most vegetables, especially, all watermelons are (already) under irrigation,” said Tim Coolong, professor in the University of …
Alabama specialty crop producers are reminded about a food safety reimbursement program made available through a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Food safety certification, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices, is a voluntary audit used to verify produce is grown, harvested, packed, handled and stored in a way that …
By Clint Thompson Two major hurricane forecast organizations are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. But Southeast farmers should not let their guard down, says James Spann, chief meteorologist at the Alabama Weather Network. “My question is what does the guy in New Orleans do with that (information) or Mobile or Houston or Galveston or …
By Clint Thompson Laser weeders and mechanical weeders may one day have their place as viable options in weed management for farmers, but they should be utilized in an integrated program, says University of Georgia Extension weed scientist Stanley Culpepper. “The new tools and the new technologies, they’re certainly exciting, what they’re able to do, but I think it’s important …
By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent in the Southeast this year. The prolonged drought that impacted the region from last September to May is a big reason why. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes the lack of disease impact this year will continue through the end of harvests, typically around late July. …
Microjet sprinklers provide the most effective way for producers in the cold-hardy citrus region to protect their trees from freeze damage. Microjet irrigation is even more effective than drip irrigation and overhead irrigation. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, stressed that point during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo at the UGA Vidalia Onion and …
By Clint Thompson Mancozeb’s uncertain future as a fungicide option for grape growers means research must be done to find its eventual replacement(s). Phil Brannen, UGA Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed Mancozeb and what options are being studied. “We’re looking at what can we do, if potentially, it was taken off market. What would we do to try to …
Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers should mark their calendars for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association’s (AFVGA) regional meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. in Cullman County. The networking event and farm tour will be held at J. Calvert Farms. It is located at 30 Co Road 260, Cullman, Alabama, 35057. Dinner will be provided for …
