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By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers in Southeast Alabama were subjected to sub-freezing temperatures earlier this week. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama, expects minimal damage from the few hours of low temperatures, which varied from field to field. “I don’t think the freeze (this week) is going to be terribly rough on us. It dipped …
By Frank Giles The rapid pace of changes to the H-2A program continued in October when the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new interim final rule that modifies the methodology for calculating the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). The interim rule was necessary because: Agricultural industry associations welcomed the announcement as a step toward greater stability in the …
By Clint Thompson Monday night’s sub-freezing temperatures in South Georgia impacted the region’s vegetable crop production. The effect of the impact varies from crop to crop, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed the early-season freeze event, which impacted crops planted in the summer and fall. “I think …
By Clint Thompson Multiple agricultural organizations, including the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Alabama Farmers Federation, were part of a coalition that sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the USDA to halt new waivers that weaken Buy American requirements for school food purchases. “For our industries, school meals represent a …
COLUMBIA – In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $648,631 in funding awarded to South Carolina through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Through this program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture funds projects that strengthen South Carolina’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education and research. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. “Our state’s specialty …
By Clint Thompson Editor’s Note: This is the third article in a series featuring land-grant universities and plans to prepare for technological advancements. Auburn University and its College of Agriculture recognize the value of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in helping farmers be more efficient and sustainable in their crop production. This was highlighted during the university’s AI Symposium …
By Clint Thompson A disappointing start to the pecan harvest season has continued with the mid-season varieties, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. Wells noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog that issues like light loads, pops and stick-tights have been observed in mid-season varieties. “Most growers are reporting a lot of ‘B’ grade nuts …
By Frank Giles The annual Florida Ag Expo, which is held in early November at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), took a break this year to make way for the recognition of two milestones — the center’s centennial celebration and groundbreaking for the Center for Applied Artificial …
By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures in the Southeast the first of next week has strawberry growers contemplating an important decision early in the growing season – apply row covers or do nothing. Temperatures are expected in the high 20s in some locations, which could impact young strawberry plants, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “I see …
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are ready to turn the page following last year’s season. Hurricane Milton’s impact in the region in early October 2024 led to a challenging production year, says Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director at Wish Farms in Plant City, Florida. “All the growers in Florida are ready to turn the page from last year. It …
