The lingering drought affecting the Southeast is becoming less of an issue in Georgia, though conditions remain dry in northern Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of northern Alabama is either abnormally dry, moderately dry or even severely dry in a few counties. The worst conditions are observed in the northwest corner of the state in Colbert and …
August Make-or-Break Month for Pecans
By Clint Thompson August is the make-or-break month for pecan growers yearning to produce a crop this year and next season as well. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, discussed in Tuesday’s UGA Extension Pecan Blog various factors producers should consider. Irrigation applications should be at 100% by mid-August, which equates to between 3,600 and 4,000 gallons …
UF Study Shows ‘Aromatic’ Blueberries Taste Better
They may be called “aromatic” blueberries, but they don’t just smell nice — they taste good. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists now know why: These fruits contain just the right genetic combination to produce the chemistry required for a pleasant blueberry flavor. Growers and consumers always seek better-tasting fruit, compelling blueberry breeders like Patricio …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act a ‘Long Shot’
By Clint Thompson The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is in its final stage of being edited and potentially passed in the Senate. Whether it is approved by the end of this year remains a “long shot,” says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C. He spoke about the …
Applying Herbicide Under Plastic Mulch
By Ramdas Kanissery Weed management is fundamental in successfully growing vegetables in Florida using a plasticulture system. Traditionally, this production system was reliant on fumigants like methyl bromide to control various soilborne diseases, nematodes and weeds. However, the phaseout of methyl bromide resulted in a lack of broad-spectrum activity and consistency in weed suppression in plastic mulched raised beds. This …
Freeze Events Impacted Southeast Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Florida’s conventional blueberry growers dodged the proverbial disease bullet this past season following a late January freeze event that impacted the Southeast. Georgia’s producers were not so fortunate with a mid-March freeze event, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. “The big story early in the year was the late freeze. …
The Status of Satsuma Mandarins in Georgia
Satsuma mandarins remain the predominant citrus variety produced in Georgia, but growers diversified more with their plantings this year. Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension coordinator, described the impact that growers could see with various citrus varieties now in place. He presented this information during the recent Citrus Growers’ Summer Update in Valdosta, Georgia. Price says the citrus industry in …
GFVGA Executive Vice President: Price Challenges are Still There
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s specialty crop producers are in the process of planting this year’s fall crops. It comes on the heels of one of the most challenging spring/summer seasons they have ever experienced. The changing weather patterns of persistent rains to hot and dry conditions were a small part of this year’s challenge. The biggest hurdle remains diminished market …
House Agriculture Committee Members Seek Hearing with EPA Administrator
By Frank Giles U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee members are requesting a hearing with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Michael Regan to discuss the agency’s oversight of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The law regulates the usage of farm pesticides. Republican members on the committee sent a letter to its Chairman David Scott (D-GA) to request …
Pivotal Year for Alabama Pecans
By Clint Thompson A pivotal year awaits Alabama’s pecan industry. Two years after Hurricane Sally devastated the state’s production, there is renewed optimism about this year’s crop, especially in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension research associate, said growers should have a better idea of where their production stands following the hurricane’s impact in 2020. “This will be …