While the pending International Trade Commission decision regarding the case of serious injury that imports have had against blueberry growers will be pivotal for producers in Florida and Georgia, another marketing opportunity may lie with producers capitalizing on exports to China. Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist, said during Friday’s Ag Forecast meeting there is a real opportunity …
Cold Temperatures Slow Growth of Florida Blueberries
Florida blueberries are normally in peak pollination season this time of the year. But that isn’t the case this season, however, says Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and is one of the state’s blueberry leaders. “We’re starting to get some flower emergence. Normally by now we’re in peak pollination season. I don’t think we’re there yet in …
Quiet Insect Activity: Alabama Producers Still Need to Take Precautions
Insect pressure is currently quiet in Alabama. But infestations could increase dramatically if producers don’t take the proper precautions, says Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “At this point, things are kind of calm and quiet, except perhaps for people who have greenhouse crops or are trying to start their seedlings or trying to …
It’s Coming: Strawberry Volume Expected to Increase Soon
Florida strawberry production has been slower than normal this season. But don’t expect that to too last much longer. “I think that volume’s going to be coming pretty powerfully here whether we’re ready for it or not over the next couple of weeks,” said Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We’ve …
Yeast Rot in Blueberries Major Problem in 2020
A sporadic blueberry disease caused significant problems for Georgia producers in 2020. Though management options are non-existent with yeast rot, Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, believes timely harvesting and handling of ripe fruit will help minimize instances in 2021. “It was a major problem for our rabbiteye growers. Kind of the last half, …
Imperfect Competition Yields Profitable Market Opportunities
By Kimberly L. Morgan and Jessica Ryals In nearly all introductory economics courses, the agricultural industry serves as the primary example of a “perfectly competitive” market structure. In theory, farmers are not able to set prices for their products, and instead “take the price” offered by market buyers. To achieve profitability, a grower works year-round to find ways to reduce …
Whitefly Management: Don’t Get Behind in Spray Program
Insecticides are available for growers managing whitefly populations. But they need to be applied early in the season when whiteflies are young and immature. “Most of the things we use primarily target immatures. That’s where our best control is. We’ve only got a couple of products that are really good on adults,” said Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Marketing Your Crop: Be Better Prepared
As vegetable and specialty crop producers near another spring harvest season, marketing their product remains a focal point of their farming operations. Adam Rabinowitz, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University, implores producers to be better prepared this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “I really recommend producers think about their marketing and distribution earlier and really at the …
Heliae® Agriculture Adds New Seed Treatment Product to Portfolio
GILBERT, AZ – Heliae® Agriculture is strengthening its product portfolio with the introduction of PhycoTerra® ST, a new seed treatment formulation specifically designed to supercharge the seed microbiome, improving the ability for soil to provide necessary water and nutrients to the developing seed and ultimately improving crop yield. PhycoTerra® ST has a unique formulation that allows growers to tap into the …
Blueberry Imports a Complement to Southeastern Producers?
The Blueberry Coalition of Progress and Health contends that imports of blueberries do not take away markets from southeastern growers but complements their production. It made its case to the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Jan. 12 during a virtual hearing and continues to believe there is a big enough “blueberry pie” for all parties to benefit from. “That’s why …