Much-needed rainfall this week across the Southeast has done little to alleviate the drought conditions in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southern region of Florida remains mostly abnormally dry, though Highlands, Okeechobee, Indian River, Saint Lucie and parts of Martin, Palm Beach and Glades counties are moderately dry. Abnormally dry conditions …
Florida Agriculture Department Gears up for Summer Nutrition Program
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried is announcing the continued partnership between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide summertime meals for Florida’s school children. The Summer BreakSpot Program provides meals at no cost to children 18 and under while schools are closed for the summer. …
Red Flags Go Up on Proposed Climate Disclosure Rule
The Security and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed rule to require climate disclosures by public companies could severely impact family farms and ranches and intensify the already concerning rate of consolidation in agriculture. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economists discuss potential impacts of “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate Related Disclosures for Investors” proposed rule in the latest Market Intel. The …
UGA Extension Climatologist Provides Weather Outlook
By Clint Thompson A hot month of May is expected to stay that way as the weather outlook calendar turns to June. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, provided a weather outlook for what temperatures should feel like over the next week. “The (upcoming) forecast continues to show us in above normal temperatures across all of the …
USDA Announces Food Purchase Assistance Agreement with Alabama
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today has signed a cooperative agreement with Alabama under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). “USDA is excited to partner with Alabama to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities,” …
Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations
By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …
Important Clarifications on the Florida Citrus Research Order Referendum
As the voting period for the Florida Citrus Research Order winds down, it is important that growers have a clear understanding what the vote is for and the role the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) plays in the process. Rick Dantzler, chief operating officer of CRDF, says this clarification is important to be sure growers have the correct information, …
Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Teams to Host Vegetable Field Day
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— Join the Alabama Cooperative Extension commercial horticulture team for a conventional and organic vegetable crop field day on May 31. The field day will be held at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Tours will begin at the plant breeding unit at the railroad track …
Downy Mildew in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson What was inevitable has now become reality for North Florida watermelon producers – downy mildew disease in this year’s crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the presence of the disease in Levy County during his weekly email alerts. “It’s something that …
Florida Tomato Conference Set for Sept. 7
Florida tomato producers and industry leaders can mark their calendars for Wednesday, Sept. 7. The Florida Tomato Conference will be held at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The Florida Tomato Institute will present industry and research updates. There will also be a session highlighting a food safety workshop/T-GAP renewal. The event will start at 9 a.m. and conclude …