Drought-like conditions continue to be observed in the Southeast, especially in Alabama, Georgia and Florida, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Alabama is either abnormally dry or moderately dry, though severe dry conditions are observed along southern counties like Baldwin, Covington, Geneva and Houston; and in the northern part of the state in Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan, Madison …
Florida Citrus Bud Advisories Now UnderwayÂ
Regular flower bud advisories from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) were restarted Nov. 21 and will be provided every other week through early spring. Associate Professor Tripti Vashisth provides the advisories. The advisories provide critical information about the intensity and time of citrus blooms. Growers use this information to determine when to spray for Asian citrus …
TFI Applauds Swift Congressional Action to Avert Rail Shutdown
ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applauded Congress for taking action to avert an economically devastating rail strike. “TFI thanks Congress for its swift work this week to implement the September Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached by rail carriers and union leadership to avert a rail strike that would have severely disrupted delivery of fertilizer to farmers as well as …
Chill Hours Lacking So Far for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson It is still early, but University of Georgia fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen is concerned about the extended warm temperatures and their impact on peach production. “The thing I am concerned about is how warm it is. The chill hours associated with peaches right now, we just have not had cool enough weather yet to deal with …
How Dire Is the Diesel Situation?
By Frank Giles During the past couple of years, we’ve gotten accustomed to sticker shock as inflation has hit fertilizer, energy, food and more. Prices for diesel are up, and there have been concerns raised about looming diesel shortages. Diesel literally fuels agriculture and the transportation of food in this country. It caught the public’s attention when headlines ran that …
Using Light to Control Strawberry Pest
With about 11,000 acres — mostly in west-central Florida — strawberries are worth $399 million annually in Florida. That represents 10% of the national strawberry value and most of the domestically produced winter crop in the United States. Those economic figures make it vital for the state’s strawberry growers to manage pests and diseases effectively. While producers began planting for …
Secretary Vilsack Statement on Trip to Mexico
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement on Monday after his meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on the U.S.- Mexico bilateral trade relationship and its importance for U.S. farmers, ranchers and producers: “We appreciate the president welcoming us to Mexico and engaging in a productive dialogue. The meetings provided a venue to raise the …
UF Study: UV Lamps Can Control Strawberry Pest
With about 11,000 acres — mostly in west-central Florida — strawberries are worth $399 million annually in Florida. That represents 10% of the national strawberry value and most of the domestically produced winter crop in the United States. Those economic figures make it vital for the state’s strawberry growers to manage pests and diseases effectively. While producers began planting for …
Sneak Peek: December 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The December issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights the Florida Ag Expo, which was held on Nov. 2 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. This year’s Expo offered insight and education from industry leaders and university researchers into the latest trends impacting specialty crop production. Topics like crop protection, supply-chain issues, pest management and …
Florida’s New AEWR Projected to be $14.33
Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2023 is estimated to be $14.33, pending an official notice in the Federal Register by the Department of Labor (DOL). It would be an increase of nearly $2 from the $12.41 rate from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the results of its most recent Farm Labor Survey last …