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By Clint Thompson North Florida’s watermelon crop sustained some damage from storms last Friday evening. There was minimal impact across the region, though some fields experienced hail damage, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He reported in his weekly email that growers with heavy …
By Clint Thompson The calendar says mid-April which means vegetable season is underway in South Florida. Gene McAvoy, a crop consultant, discussed the current season. “We’re just getting into full swing with watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, just about everything right now,” McAvoy said. “We’re just now finishing up with cool season crops, cabbage and what not. But just about everything else …
By Clint Thompson Vegetable producers must be wary that diamondback moth is being observed in high populations across South Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, highlighted the insect and its impact. “Diamondback moth has popped up. It can pop up or disappear this time of year. It’s not controlled by temperatures as much as a …
Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in a North Florida watermelon field, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Not only that, it was also confirmed in South Georgia as well. But growers must consider all the facts before responding to the breaking news. Hochmuth …
By Clint Thompson Christmas tree production continues to garner interest in Alabama. Producers must be wary, though, of what they’re getting into before planting their first tree, says Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University. “I think the No. 1 thing starts with, and it goes with everything, just having a master plan and really thinking …
The U.S. tomato industry is applauding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. “This is a major victory for American agriculture,” said Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “For decades, American tomato farmers have suffered from unfair trade practices by Mexican tomato …
By Clint Thompson India provides great potential for Southeast pecan producers looking for a dependable and profitable export destination. A customs code, though, is keeping growers from enjoying greater trade success with the heavily populated country. “Right now, we’re only able to sell shelled pecans there. We’re working really hard to get a code, a customs code, so we can …
By Clint Thompson Last week’s increased rainfall helped improve the drought conditions across Georgia, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, last Monday’s deluge may be the last substantial rainfall for the state over the next couple of weeks. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, highlights what precipitation is expected in the foreseeable future. …
Georgia’s citrus industry has found its footing more than a decade into production. Whether growers can thrive for the next 10 years may depend largely on their ability to expand production beyond satsuma mandarins. “It is a work in progress. Anybody getting into it will need to consider that,” Georgia grower Buck Paulk said. “There’s a lot of unknowns with …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominees for the Florida Tomato Committee to fill seats for 10 producer members and their respective alternates for two-year terms, starting on Aug. 1, 2025. Nominations will take place on April 14 at a virtual nomination meeting in each of the two established districts. The committee is seeking nominees for five producer member …
