The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, has been problematic for cotton and vegetable growers across the Southeast. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, the jassid is impacting growers in southern Florida. Scouts are reporting the insect’s presence in Southwest Florida, with population levels ranging from low to high on eggplant. Population levels are …
Gradual Growth Expected With Potential Pecan Market Once PQ Code Approved
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers remain optimistic that India has a bright future as a pecan export destination. Georgia pecan grower Justin Jones first discussed India during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Trade Show last April. He addressed the issue again at the recent Fall Field Day in Tifton, Georgia. “The biggest thing for us right now …
AFVGA Seeking Nominations for Annual Awards Program
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) seeks nominations for its annual awards program. Nominations are due Nov. 1, while the winners will be recognized at the AFVGA Annual Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Feb. 4-6. Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, talked about this year’s awards and the process in selecting the winners. “This is …
Alabama Pecan Industry Lacking Younger Farmers
By Clint Thompson There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future. Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an …
Spotlight State: Georgia to Be Recognized at Sunbelt Expo
By Clint Thompson Georgia agriculture will be under the spotlight next week at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, scheduled for Oct. 14-16, in Moultrie, Georgia. Georgia will be this year’s Spotlight State, which allows Sunbelt attendees to visit the Spotlight State building and learn more about Georgia agriculture, the state’s No. 1 industry. “The Spotlight State is the hometown, the great …
Specialty Crop Hearing: Congressional Assistance Needed for Mechanization Research
By Clint Thompson Labor needs remain the top concern for specialty crop growers. That means investments in automation and mechanization are vital to a producer’s long-term success. But that’s easier said than done, explains Dana Brennan, vice president, corporate affairs with Grimmway Farms. Brennan was part of a panel that testified recently during a special hearing on the State of …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Recommendations for Blueberry Scale Management in North Carolina
Scale insects can cause blueberry damage in several ways. The tiny pests suck plant sap out of foliage. In high enough numbers, scale can weaken the vigor and growth of blueberries. The pests also excrete honeydew, which can produce sooty mold on the plant and fruit. In excess amounts, honeydew and sooty mold can reduce the grade of fruit or …
Financial Conference Covers Tariffs and Economic Outlook
The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Speakers covered topics including measuring financial performance, risk management, optimizing business operations and cybersecurity. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. …
Dry Weather’s Impact on Fall Vegetables
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell in South Georgia is impacting the region’s fall vegetable producers. Sam Watson, located in Colquitt County Georgia, discussed the impacts that growers like himself are seeing amid hot and dry weather conditions. “It’s getting pretty tough. No. 1, we’re running low on water in some places. No. 2, the whitefly pressure has just …
Blood Oranges Could Be Profitable Option for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers
Blood oranges may be an enticing fruit to grow for cold-hardy citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlighted his blood orange research during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop at the North Florida Research and Education Center …