Temperatures in the teens walloped the South Georgia-North Florida citrus region over the Christmas weekend, destroying fruit still on trees and damaging trees to some extent. “We got as low as 15, but most places it hovered around 18 degrees,” reported Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. “All fruit left on trees appears to have turned to mush and …
Multiple Days of Sub-Freezing Temps Devastating for Southeast Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers can usually stomach one day of sub-freezing temperatures. But four days? That was not the ideal scenario for growers across the Southeast this past weekend. It was disastrous for vegetable farmers, citrus growers and potentially strawberry producers. Prolonged temperatures in 20s over parts of the region, including South Georgia and North Florida, have been …
Maintaining Pecan Irrigation Equipment in the Winter
Pecan harvest season is winding down across the Southeast. Growers in Alabama and Georgia will soon be winterizing their irrigation systems. Cale Cloud, University of Georgia Grady County Extension agent, offered various tips that growers should consider when maintaining their irrigation systems during the winter months. Power units should be sealed to protect against various wildlife and moisture. Exclusion barriers …
Farm Land’s Value is Like a ‘Gold Rush’ in the Southeast
By Clint Thompson Land values are high. So are the number of buyers hoping to purchase farmland in the Southeast. Producers have been more prone to sell their land amid the challenging agricultural landscape and the reality that children and grandchildren may not follow in their farming footsteps. While one can’t blame a farmer for selling patches of land for …
Northern Citrus Areas Evaluating Freeze Fallout
Temperatures in the teens walloped the South Georgia-North Florida citrus region over the Christmas weekend, destroying fruit still on trees and damaging trees to some extent. “We got as low as 15, but most places it hovered around 18 degrees,” reported Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. “All fruit left on trees appears to have turned to mush and …
Florida Strawberry Grower Eyes Quick Warm Up
By Clint Thompson Temperatures were expected to increase dramatically for New Year’s weekend across the Southeast. That’s not an ideal scenario for Florida strawberry producers still recovering from sub-freezing temperatures over Christmas weekend. According to weather.com, temperatures were expected to reach the 80s in Plant City, Florida, on New Year’s Eve. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, …
Florida Strawberry Producer: Quick Change in Temperature Would Not Be Great
By Clint Thompson Temperatures are expected to increase dramatically for New Year’s weekend across the Southeast. That’s not an ideal scenario for Florida strawberry producers still recovering from sub-freezing temperatures last weekend. According to weather.com, temperatures are expected to reach the 80s in Plant City, Florida, on Saturday. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, explains …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference to Highlight Issues Growers Are Facing
Registration is ongoing for the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference scheduled for Jan. 5-8, 2023, in Savannah, Georgia. The annual meeting brings together farmers and industry leaders from across the Southeast as well as provide educational sessions that cover commodities across the entire gamut of the specialty crop industry. These include blueberries, caneberries, citrus, muscadines, peaches, strawberries, vegetables, Vidalia …
Sneak Peek: January 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The January issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine profiles corn producer Karla Thompson. She is an advocate for all farmers and discusses the challenges that accompany being a producer in today’s agricultural landscape. Thompson also highlights the importance of continuing to educate consumers about food production. Florida’s sweet corn production got off to a shaky start this season following Hurricane …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent: We Need to Manage Fertilizer More Efficiently
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers should be wary about the dangers of applying too much water. It can result in leeching of nitrogen in their sandy soils. Producers who apply too much water not only lose the excess water, but they also lose the fertilizer and then yields. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …