Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
UGA Extension Specialist: Pecan Scab High During July
By Clint Thompson Scab disease was high this summer for Georgia pecan producers. Additional rainfall in July contributed to the increased pressure affecting the state’s crop, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. He also said growers have managed the disease effectively and need to continue towards the end of this production season. “We’ve had a lot …
Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference
Registration is ongoing for the 2024 Florida Tomato Conference, slated for Thursday, Sept. 5, at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. The cost is free for employees of Florida tomato farmers, packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. Late …
Attention Strawberry Growers: ‘Alarm Bells’ for Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson A disease that first impacted Florida strawberry fields in the 2018-2019 season is already causing trouble for next year’s crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is cautioning growers about the high potential risk for Neopestalotiopsis with plants originating from Prince Edward Island. “As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are …
North Carolina Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance
RALEIGH – North Carolina’s (N.C.) organic growers can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers, who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be reimbursed …
North Carolina Program Keeps 5 Million Pounds of Unwanted, Banned Pesticides Out of Landfills
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program recently marked a significant milestone, collecting more than five million pounds of banned, outdated or unwanted pesticides in the state since the program began in 1980. This milestone is a highlight in the 44-year effort of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which aims to keep the unwanted or …
Factors to Consider When Producing Muscadines
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeder Patrick Conner advises would-be growers about producing the grape in the Southeast. During a field day on Aug. 17 at the UGA Tifton Campus, Conner said producers should be wary about two factors if they pursue growing the crop. The first is letting the vine overcrop. There is a danger in …
Victory for Users of H-2A Program
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia and Florida scored a court victory on Monday. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia granted a preliminary injunction, halting the effective date of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) controversial Farmworker Protection Rule. The DOL cannot enforce the rule in the 17 states that were involved in challenging …
FFVA’s Rumenik Discusses Farm Bill at Expo
By Clint Thompson The ongoing farm bill discussions were a highlight of this year’s general session at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), discussed the important piece of legislation. She believes its finalization will hinge greatly on what happens in November. “I think …
Grape Producers Remain Diligent with Fungicide Spray Applications
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension advises grape producers to remain diligent with their fungicide applications. Phil Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed disease management, with harvests slated to commence soon across the region. “We’re starting to see some downy mildew coming out right now, so we are getting some disease as we’re looking towards the latter …