By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers need to be wary this spring of supply issues with regards to Oryzalin, a popular herbicide. None is being manufactured, according to Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium coordinator. He discusses the impact that a lack of the product will mean for some fruit farmers. “The thing about …
Freeze Effect: Legislation Introduced to Protect Growers
U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced The Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act this week. It will protect farmers impacted by crop-damaging freezes. Rep. Steube proposes this legislation for inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill. “This winter, a freeze caused significant damages to Florida’s citrus, sugarcane, ornamental plants, and many fruits and vegetables. Currently, specialty-crop insurance policies are expensive, leaving …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Latest Update for Southeast
South Florida continues to experience various levels of dry conditions, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Severe drought conditions are observed along the southwestern part of the state, in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Moderate dry conditions are being felt in the south-central region, as far north as Hillsborough, Polk and Osceola counties and as far …
Input Availability a Growing Concern for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Planning for future crops means preparing now for some specialty crop producers. In an era when supply availability is uncertain, growers need to consider the ramifications of delaying supply purchases that will be needed in the future. They may not be able to purchase the supplies at all. Farmers like Greg Collier are not just vying for …
Fungicide Programs Key for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Fungicide programs are crucial for North Florida watermelon growers trying to stave off disease development in their young plants. Especially following cooler temperatures and heavy winds last weekend, the watermelon crop in the Suwanee Valley region is susceptible to various diseases. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent …
Jeb Smith Takes the Reins at Florida Farm Bureau
By Frank Giles Jeb Smith’s agricultural roots run deep in Florida. He is a fifth-generation farmer born and raised in St. Johns County. He lives on the same property his great, great grandfather farmed in Hastings, Florida. The farm was designated a Century Pioneer Family Farm by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in March of this …
UF/IFAS to Host Annual Farm Safety Day
The 31st annual Southwest Florida Farm Safety Day is scheduled for Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. The educational event is designed to emphasize the importance of farm and equipment safety. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 22. …
Freeze Event was ‘Gruesome’ for Blueberries
By Clint Thompson The freeze event during the March 12-13 weekend wiped out at least half of Georgia’s blueberry crop this season, according to early estimates. More than 54 million pounds of blueberries were lost when temperatures dropped into the 20s on that fateful Sunday morning. Temperatures were as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit in Alma, Georgia on March 13, …
Weed Management Key to Grape Root Borer Control
By Clint Thompson A management practice as simple as weed control can help grape producers reduce grape root borer populations. The grape root borer is an annual pest that can devastate a grape crop. Its larvae feed on the roots of grape vines. They have a two-year life cycle and will feed underground on the roots for nearly 22 months. …
Weather Impacting Vidalia Onion Quality?
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests have begun in Southeast Georgia. Early returns are positive despite changing weather patterns over the past month, says one Georgia farmer. “Overall, the quality looks like it’s going to be fair quality,” said producer Aries Haygood. “These changes in these weather patterns the last three or four weeks has got us a little bit …