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By Clint Thompson Florida Farmer of the Year Jim Alderman was humbled and thrilled to represent Florida at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon on Tuesday in Moultrie, Georgia. While Alderman did not win the award – it was presented to Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton – he expressed gratitude for being able to represent Florida …
By Clint Thompson South Georgia vegetable farmer Kent Hamilton was named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the annual luncheon on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day Expo event in Moultrie, Georgia. Hamilton, chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, highlighted the attributes that have helped him succeed over …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
