Maitland, FL – The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 10, for tomato producers to nominate fellow growers or themselves to serve on the committee for a two-year term, from September 2023 to September 2025. The FTC is a federal marketing order that regulates the handling of Florida tomatoes and supports the industry through …
‘Minor’ Cases of Fusarium Wilt in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have begun observing Fusarium wilt disease in this year’s crop. But the reported instances are drastically lower than in previous years, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I would say it’s very minor. In my opinion, we’ve seen …
Florida Tomato Committee Seeks Nominations for 2023-2025
Maitland, FL – The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 10, for tomato producers to nominate fellow growers or themselves to serve on the committee for a two-year term, from September 2023 to September 2025. The FTC is a federal marketing order that regulates the handling of Florida tomatoes and supports the industry …
Alabama Hemp Growers Concerned with Moving Industry Forward
By Clint Thompson Another hemp season is under way across Alabama. The same core group of about 75 producers are still invested in an industry that is still in its early stages of development across the Southeast region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said five different meetings in January generated questions among attendees. Growers voiced their …
Whitefly Infestations Vary Throughout Florida
Whitefly infestations in South Florida range from low populations to high populations, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is low to moderate depending on the crop and location in the central part of the state. Pressure is extremely high on all crops in southwest Florida. Frequent sprays have helped manage the pests, but adults are continuing to …
North Alabama Peach Producer: Worst I’ve Been Hurt
By Clint Thompson The mid-March freeze event stymied peach trees already in bloom in central and northern Alabama. It is a significant loss for producers, believes Jeremy Calvert, who operates J Calvert Farms in Cullman, Alabama, “I’ve picked 14 crops, and I think this will be my 15th. This is the worst I’ve been hurt,” Calvert said. “We still have …
Pecan’s Water Needs Most Important During Kernel Filling Stage
By Clint Thompson Water management is an essential component of pecan production. Growers need to manage their crop’s water needs throughout the production season, starting now, six months away from harvest season. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discussed irrigation management during the recent UGA Pecan Beginners Class held on March 28 in Perry, Georgia. Farmers …
Georgia Blueberries Expected Sooner Than Normal
By Clint Thompson Georgia blueberries are expected to be ready for harvest earlier than normal this year. One producer believes it is due to the warm temperatures the region experienced in February. Albert Wildes, who operates 50 acres in Alma, Georgia, said harvests should begin within the next two weeks for his crop. “I have not started harvesting. There’s just …
Be on the Lookout: Thrips Could Be Concerning for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson Thrips populations have spiked in recent weeks. Vidalia onion producers should be wary of these insects and their impact on a crop that is currently being harvested in Southeast Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, highlighted what he has observed in vegetable fields recently with regards to thrips infestations. “In general, over …
New Leader Takes National Watermelon Association Reins
By Clint Thompson The National Watermelon Association (NWA) ushered in a new era at its annual meeting in February. After nearly 20 years, the association has a new leader at the helm. George Szczepanski assumed the leadership role in an industry that’s currently facing numerous challenges, including labor shortages and high wage rates, inflationary impacts with input costs and competition …