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By Clint Thompson The 2022 season could be a pivotal year for specialty crop farmers. A production season that began with input costs spiking to unforeseen levels needs to end with growers pocketing some money, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think this season is a crucial season …
By Clint Thompson At a time when farmers need support more than ever, one Florida farmer is forced to defend their livelihood against political attacks from environmental activists. These attacks could impact the future of agriculture. “I was very blessed and privileged to have a dad who served in World War II, Battle of the Bulge. One of the things …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have begun in North Florida. But that doesn’t mean producers should halt their fertilizer applications. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasizes to growers the importance of continuing their fertilizer application program. “Lets say you and I have a field and …
U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack and Al Lawson led members of the Florida congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for expeditious approval of Vismax, a biochemical pesticide for HLB. A letter from the representatives asks the EPA to rapidly approve the use of Vismax in preventing HLB so the industry may access this product before the start of …
By Clint Thompson Some rainfall is in the forecast for parts of the Southeast. Some is better than none at this point for farmers. As the current drought spreads and intensifies across Alabama, Florida and Georgia, growers are in need of precipitation for their crops. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides an update on what rainfall is …
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp acreage is expected to decrease this season. That’s if growers feel comfortable enough to plant a crop amid the current hot and dry conditions. It is quite the contrast to last year’s conditions, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “I think I talked to you a year ago and it was …
By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia hemp producers and acres decreased from 2020 to 2021. It has happened again this year, according to statistics released by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia currently has 118 licensed hemp producers and one permitted hemp processor, equating to 4,333 field acres and 730,322 greenhouse square footage licensed for cultivation. There were 156 …
Michael Burton practices what he preaches. That quality makes him an ideal selection for the director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC), effective July 1. Burton spends the academic year teaching and conducting research in agronomy at Missouri State University. In the summer, he runs the family …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have begun in North Florida. But that doesn’t mean producers should halt their fertilizer applications. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasizes to growers the importance of continuing their fertilizer application program. “Lets say you and I have a field and …
The prolonged drought that persists across the Southeast is intensifying and expanding in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida’s dry conditions remain in the southern part of the state. Most of the prolonged drought conditions are now moderately dry with some severely dry conditions in Glades and Palm Beach counties. …
