Alabama Extension Specialist: Potential for Neopestalotiopsis is Having Severe Impact

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The threat of neopestalotiopsis on strawberry plants in the Southeast is having a “severe impact on the industry,” according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “A lot of nursery owners have opted either to not sell plants or are advising the growers that they’re taking the …

plan

Marketing Plan Essential for Growers

Dan CooperMarketing

Crop production is only half the battle for citrus growers in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. The other half is knowing where that crop is headed once it is harvested. Bill Barber, Ag Services LLC and Certified Crop Adviser, stressed to growers during a recent citrus meeting that they should have a marketing …

Georgia Ag Partners Launch Joint Hurricane Relief Fund for Farmers Impacted by Helene

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in a partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and in support by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), has launched the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund to aid farmers and ranchers facing devastating losses from Hurricane Helene. The fund aims to raise $1 million by December to provide direct financial aid to …

USDA Announces October 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for October 2024, which became effective Oct. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.            “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work …

Preliminary Estimates: Hurricane Helene $6.46 Billion Economic Impact to Georgia Agriculture

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Preliminary estimates for the economic impact of Hurricane Helene to Georgia agriculture topped $6 billion, according to totals released Thursday by the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). In a press conference that included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and multiple legislative leaders, UGA CAES Dean Nick Place announced …

Disaster

Flooding Concerns for North Carolina Agriculture

Dan CooperAgri-business, Economy, Hurricanes, North Carolina, Water, Weather

Hurricane Helene has altered life in North Carolina with its massive flooding. Lives have been lost. Homes have been washed away. Agriculture has been forever changed. Catastrophic rainfall amounts have led to widespread flooding in the western part of the state. Elena Rogers, N.C. State Extension Area Specialized Agent in food safety for fresh produce, discussed the damage that the …

Tailgating Theme to Highlight This Year’s Florida Ag Expo Event

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Florida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson Registration remains open for this year’s Florida Ag Expo event, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. The Expo is a premier event for specialty crop producers in the Southeast and will once again feature a tailgating aspect to …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Kasey Cronquist The blueberry industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years. This has been driven by a united marketing effort to increase demand, improvements in the consistency of year-round supply, and advances in genetics, post-harvest technologies and agricultural practices. The team at the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Briana Naumuk Andy Rollins

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly infestations vary among vegetable fields in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouting reports show low populations of whitefly adults on tomatoes in central Florida. Low to moderate populations are reported in cucumber, and moderate populations are observed in early fall melons. In Southwest Florida, the recent rainfall has helped to lower whitefly populations. …