Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Statewide Dr. Tony Keinath reports, “Basil downy mildew was found in mid-June in Charleston. Symptoms start as faint yellowing of leaves, which eventually show brown spots surrounded by yellow areas. To see the …
Florida Citrus Growers Watching the Tropics
We are well over a month into the 2021 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Elsa is reminding us exactly what can happen in the state of Florida this time of year. Executive Director of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA), Ray Royce, says with summer here, eyes now turn to the weather. As for Tropical Storm Elsa, warnings and watches …
Tropical Storm Elsa: Minimal Impact Expected on Florida’s Vegetable Industry
By Clint Thompson The looming landfall of Tropical Storm Elsa should have minimal impact on the vegetable industry in Florida, said Aaron Troyer, farmer and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “Most of the crops are out of the ground and harvested right now. Anything there would be your perennial crops like oranges, citrus, that sort of thing,” …
Right to Farm Bill Highlights Florida Ag Interests
By Adam Basford Florida farmers and ranchers gained a significantly stronger level of protection from frivolous lawsuits when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 88 on April 29. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur and Rep. Jayer Williamson, the Right to Farm bill modernizes the law that was established in 1979. All 50 U.S. states have enacted Right to Farm laws that …
Sulfur Key Tool in Reducing Soil pH
By Clint Thompson Sulfur is a tool that South Florida growers can implement to decrease their soil pH in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, discusses the importance of bringing the soil pH down to its optimal level of 6.5. “The problem in Southwest Florida, our …
Commissioner Fried Announces Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program
Tallahassee, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Energy announced the establishment of the Florida Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program. It provides support for urban and community farming projects to promote cleaner air, lower building heating and cooling costs, and provide additional stable, affordable and secure sources of …
Reduce Food Loss, Waste During Summer
Summertime provides families across the Southeast the opportunity to gather together, socialize and eat some fresh vegetables and fruit and other goodies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides resources to promote the reduction of food loss and waste this time of year. There are four steps that consumers can implement to reduce food waste at home, at the beach or …
Orange Juice on Consumers’ Radar and Florida Fruit in Demand
Weather, disease, and pandemic put a focus on the need to increase production.
UGA Trials: Organic Agriculture Research Gaining Traction in Georgia
University of Georgia Insect Ecology Professor Carmen Blubaugh is researching methods to help organic farmers in the Southeast, according to the University of Georgia Integrated Pest Management Blog. Farmers in the Southeast contend with year-round insect, weed and disease pressure, due to its hot, humid climate. Those challenges are amplified for organic producers, since chemical inputs are limited. Blubaugh and …
Starting Off: Pecan Variety Selection Essential to Long-Term Sustainability
By Clint Thompson Sustainable pecan production starts before the producer plants their tree. The right variety selection could lead to reduced chemical sprays for scab disease, which could save the producer time and money over the course of their pecan trees. Picking varieties like Zinner and Avalon could have positive ripple effects for growers trying to overcome high input costs. …