Georgia’s 2024 Net Farm Income Down 42%

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s net farm income is likely to decrease 42% compared to 2023. That was the underlying message shared by Gopinath (Gopi) Munisamy, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Marketing at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, during UGA’s recent Ag Forecast event. Hurricane Helene’s lingering impact on the state remains significant with the spring …

UGA Climatologist: Winter Storm Generational Event in Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The cold temperatures and historic snowfall recorded throughout the Southeast last week was a generational event, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Clearly, we don’t get these every day and it’s probably a good thing. Some of the locations set daily records for snowfall, so for them it was unusual,” Knox said. …

UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program Has Widespread Impact

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry breeding remains an integral part of production, not only in the state, but in the country as well. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz emphasizes the impact his program has had on varieties being produced across the country. “In the case of Florida, I believe we have …

Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet Tickets on Sale

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Tickets are on sale for the 45th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor four inductees who contributed to the success and sustainability of Florida agriculture. This year’s inductees include Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger and Jim Strickland. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders …

Uncharted Waters: Sub-Freezing Temps’ Impact on Vegetables in Southeast

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s vegetable leaders are unsure what last week’s sub-freezing temperatures and historic snowfall mean for this year’s winter greens in the field. It is not a scenario a South Georgia grower had to deal with prior to the start of last week where frigid temperatures were present for several days in a row. “We’re still not sure …

South Carolina Small Fruit Growers Meeting Scheduled for Feb. 13

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

South Carolina producers should be mindful that a small fruit growers meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Sandhills Research and Education Center in Columbia, South Carolina. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. It will cost $20 at the door online through the link below. Clemson Extension Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent Andy …

Frigid Temps, Historic Snow Impact Strawberries

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures and unexpected snow last week in the Southeast impacted specialty crops. Strawberry producers in Alabama, Florida and Georgia felt the sting of the winter storm. That included Alabama farmer Todd Cassenbaum. He resides in Lillian, Alabama, located just across from Pensacola, Florida, where historic snow amounts were recorded. Eight inches of snow fell on his …

Blueberry Advisory System Helps Growers Be More Efficient in Managing Anthracnose

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Blueberry growers need a more sustainable way of managing diseases. A calendar-based method requires fungicide applications that may not be necessary. The Blueberry Advisory System allows producers to be more efficient in how they manage anthracnose, a key disease growers have to manage every year. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, …

Alabama Extension Set to Host 2025 Spray Drone End-User Conference

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Alabama Cooperating Extension is set to host its third annual Spray Drone End-User Conference, scheduled for March 23-26 at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Alabama. Online registration is available on the Alabama Extension website at www.aces.edu/go/DroneConference. There are two registration fees based on attendance preferences. Registration for in-person attendance is $400 but will increase to $500 after Jan. 31. …