Alabama specialty crop producers are reminded that registration is ongoing for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) annual conference and trade show, scheduled for Feb. 9-10, 2023, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event will include presentations from Alabama Extension specialists, researchers from the University of Georgia and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Topics will …
Hemp License Applications Available from Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
Alabama farmers interested in producing hemp have until Nov. 30 to apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS) at https://agi.alabama.gov/hemp/formsandapplications/. The Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975 in 2016, tasking …
Georgia Hemp Applications Underway for Current Growers, Permitted Processors
By Clint Thompson Georgia hemp producers should be mindful that as of Nov. 1, renewal applications are open for currently licensed growers and permitted processors. The 2022 applications will close on Tuesday, Nov. 15. That is the final day to apply for a 2022 grower license or processor permit. The 2023 window will reopen to new applicants on Jan. 1, …
Trends in Florida Tomato Production and Markets
By Kimberly L. Morgan, Xiuri Cui and Zhengfei Guan Driven by consumer demand, the fresh tomato supply-chain network includes product harvested at different maturity stages, resulting in a unique marketing process distinguishable from other produce. Fresh tomatoes are typically marketed either through retail or foodservice channels. From farm to fork, the supply chain is divided into stages with different entities: …
‘Miserable Prices’ for Southeast Pecans
By Clint Thompson What started as a promising marketing season for pecans has deteriorated rapidly. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said Southeast producers are encountering “miserable prices.” It is discouraging news for a crop that is expected to produce high yields this year. “They’re miserable prices. Nobody’s got a really good answer as to why they’re coming …
AFBF Sends Letter to President Biden About High Diesel Prices
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Biden on Friday, calling on the administration to bring more domestic supply online. It would reduce costs to all Americans. “Our nation’s food supply is driven by diesel,” President Duvall said in the letter. “Every input that arrives on our farms and ranches is transported by a …
Dry Weather Aids North Florida/South Georgia Tomato Production
By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry period sweeping across the Southeast benefited tomato producers in the North Florida/South Georgia region. Growers welcomed the dry conditions that helped save the crop from bacterial spot disease. Josh Freeman, an agronomist and regional manager with TriEst Ag Group, discussed the impact that minimal rainfall had on tomato production. “Everything started off really bad. …
N.C. Forest Service Offers Discount on Tree Seedling Sales for Military Members Through November
RALEIGH– To show its appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by veterans and current military members, the North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service is offering a 25% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during November. The discount applies to the first $500 off all new orders, up to a $125 discount. “North …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening Across Southeast
The drought is intensifying across southeastern states, specifically Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Severe dry conditions are being observed in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and North Georgia areas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate dry conditions in South Alabama stretch from Mobile and Baldwin counties in the Gulf of Mexico to Henry and Houston counties in Southeast Alabama. Moderate …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates on Crops
Weekly Field Update – 11/7/22 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 Rob Last reports, “Strawberry plants have arrived in the last two weeks and are in the ground. Overall, plantings look good. One thing to consider is using overhead irrigation to …