By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests are commencing across the Southeast Georgia region. Industry leaders are excited about the potential of this year’s crop. At least that’s the mindset of Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “I think it looks really good. I’m excited, and the …
Vidalia Onion Field Day on April 6
By Clint Thompson Georgia producers and industry leaders are invited to the annual Vidalia Onion Field Day on Wednesday, April 6 at noon. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion a gent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what people can expect when they attend the annual field day this year. “One …
Weather Forecast: Return to Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Variable weather conditions this winter should stabilize over the next month. The previous couple of weeks has seen lower temperatures and increased rainfall across the Southeast region. But that is not expected to continue, said Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. “The longer-term patterns that I have looked at look like we’re going to have …
Attention North Florida Watermelon Producers: Diseases Observed in Isolated Fields
Two diseases have been observed in North Florida watermelon. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, reported in his weekly email that Psudomonas (angular leaf spot) and gummy stem blight have been reported, though in isolated fields. “If bacterial diseases are not a concern in your fields, …
Potential Solution for Grape Root Borers?
By Clint Thompson There could be another tool in the toolbox for producers in the management of grape root borers. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has one year of research in studying entomopathogenic nematodes. He discussed the positive impact the nematodes had on the grape pests. “At least the …
Sneak Peek: April 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights watermelon production. It looks at the current trends and the future of anthracnose disease while also spotlighting new viruses to watch for in watermelons and other cucurbit crops. Severe anthracnose outbreaks have occurred in cucurbit-growing counties along the East coast, including in Florida and Georgia. University of Georgia …
UGA Extension Pecan Specialist: Know Your Costs of Production
By Clint Thompson Lenny Wells’ words of wisdom to potential pecan producers is simple: Know your costs of production. The University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist stresses to growers interested in starting their own orchards to familiarize themselves with input costs. “It was expensive before, but now with the increase in input costs, like everything, it’s gone way up. As …
Biden’s 2023 Budget Proposal: Ag and Rural Funds
President Joe Biden unveiled his budget proposal for fiscal year 2023, Monday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the President’s budget provides USDA with “the tools needed to support a vibrant, revitalized, and prosperous rural America.” The budget includes more than $10 million for oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act as well as money to support innovation in agriculture and …
Keeping You Informed: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “The first of this season’s strawberries are coming to market with good quality. Growers still need to be very mindful that spider mites populations are around in the area but are variable. …
Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute Returns as an In-Person Event Next Week
After being forced to the virtual space by COVID-19 for the past two years, the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute will return to an in-person event next week. This year’s institute will be held Tuesday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Florida State College, Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park, Florida. “We …