The October issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on strawberries, one of the top fruits produced in the Southeast. Jeff Cook and Garrett Hibbs, county Extension coordinators for University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension, along with Phillip Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, provide tips for managing different fungal diseases which pose the biggest threat to production, other than …
Considerations for Blueberry Farmers Following Hurricane Ian
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry specialists issued considerations for blueberry producers amid Hurricane Ian. High winds and heavy rains can cause significant damage and plant stress to blueberry fields. Below are some considerations for growers dealing with the aftermath from Hurricane Ian. Blueberries are sensitive to flood injury. Check fields for surface water drainage. Make …
N.C. Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler Comments on Waiving Motor Vehicle Regulations to Help Farmers
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Roy Cooper’s issuance of Executive Order 270 in preparation for Hurricane Ian: “As we have learned over the years of dealing with hurricanes and tropical storms bearing heavy rain, preparing for storms ahead of time can help limit damage. The waiving of some motor vehicle regulations related to …
Hurricane Ian Damage Assessment Gets Underway
By Frank Giles There is no question Hurricane Ian will go down as a historic catastrophe in Florida. It’s impact on agriculture will likely be historic as well. While it is too early to know the full extent of damage, AgNet Media is reaching out to growers and various industry associations and agencies to learn the extent of damage to …
Florida Blueberry Producer: We Took It on the Chin
By Clint Thompson One Florida blueberry producer “took it on the chin” from Hurricane Ian on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the situation dealt Jerod Gross in Arcadia might get worse due to rising flood waters. Early signs indicate a devastating loss for Gross, who manages all of Island Grove’s operations throughout the state. The worst impact was felt in Arcadia, not far …
Hurricane Ian Damage Assessment Gets Underway
By Frank Giles There is no question Hurricane Ian will go down as a historic catastrophe in Florida. It’s impact on agriculture will likely be historic as well. While it is too early to know the full extent of damage, AgNet Media is reaching out to growers and various industry associations and agencies to learn the extent of damage to …
Hurricane’s Potential Impact on Peach Trees
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s potential path through Georgia and South Carolina could impact peach trees in the region. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed what high winds associated with a hurricane could do to peach trees. “Assuming that it comes through with pretty heavy winds in the middle Georgia area, South Georgia, anywhere you …
Registration Open for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Registration is now open for the Southeast (SE) Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, the south’s premier fruit and vegetable educational conference and trade show for growers, packers, and shippers. Co-sponsored by the South Carolina Peach Council and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), the 2023 SE Regional Conference will return to the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, on …
Hurricane Ian Preparation Considerations for South Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Crops
Hurricane Ian is approaching the Southeast and is expected to bring significant amounts of rain and heavy winds to South Carolina over the weekend. The latest forecasts show Ian traveling northeast towards the Atlantic, then northward through western South Carolina. Clemson Extension agents advise specialty crop growers in The South Carolina Grower to be prepared to experience damaging winds, excessive …
NCDA&CS Seeks Proposals from Researchers Exploring Bioenergy, New Crops for North Carolina
Applicants should apply for part of the $1 million in grant funding by Oct. 28 RALEIGH – The North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2022 grant proposals that support each program’s mission. “In the years since these programs began offering grants, we’ve seen some promising developments from the research …









