By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Muscadine Production: Alabama Extension Specialist Highlights Varieties for Potential Growers
By Clint Thompson Variety selection is essential for growers interested in planting a muscadine crop. Producers should know what varieties work best before they start planting. Elina Coneva, Extension specialist and professor of horticulture at Auburn University, focused on muscadine varieties during a recent webinar. She highlighted those that worked well in her research trials, beginning with the ‘Hall’ variety. …
Watermelon Research: UGA Scientist Highlights Work Done on Tifton Campus
By Clint Thompson Watermelons are one of the most valuable vegetable crops that South Georgia growers produce every year. It is only appropriate that the University of Georgia (UGA) conducts research that will benefit farmers for the foreseeable future. Ted McAvoy, UGA Extension vegetable specialist, is tasked with researching watermelons and the different types that producers want to grow, on …
New Expo Site Enticing Location for Georgia, Alabama Growers to Attend
By Clint Thompson The new site for this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo will provide a more enticing location for producers from Georgia and Alabama to attend this year’s event. The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, will serve as this year’s location for the two-day event. It will certainly attract more of a presence from growers in neighboring …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Statewide Tom Bilbo – Extension Entomologist Midlands Rob Last Upstate Andy Rollins
July 14 Deadline: USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Pandemic, Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds specialty crop producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility    To be eligible for ERP …
Agriculture’s Share in Florida’s Blockbuster Budget
By Frank Giles The Florida Legislature passed a record budget of $116.5 billion as it wrapped up its work on May 5. It was an active session for agriculture. It also was a session in which Gov. Ron DeSantis was looking to score wins prior to announcing his run for president in 2024. DeSantis announced his presidential bid on May …
Florida Strawberry Update: Hillsborough County Land Running Low for Farmers
By Clint Thompson Hillsborough County, Florida’s winter strawberry capital of the United States, could soon be in danger. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, believes the influx of people moving into the area means there is less and less land to use for agriculture. That will slowly impact the county’s production of strawberries over time. …
Winding Down: Heat Impacting Georgia’s Final Melon Harvests
By Clint Thompson The intense summer heat is taking a toll on South Georgia watermelons; so much so that the crop appears to be in its final days of harvest this year, believes Greg Leger, owner of Leger & Son, Inc. “There’s a couple of late fields around that we’ve just been into one time and starting a second time, …