The deadline is less than two weeks away for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop farmers seeking financial assistance from Hurricane Zeta. Producers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta have until Jan. 15 to submit an application to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation for assistance from a Hurricane Relief Fund. According to the alfafarmers.org, the relief fund is designed to …
Hemp Testing Expected More Frequently in 2021
Some Georgia hemp producers were victimized this year by having their crop’s THC level exceed 0.3 level. Subsequently, the hemp was destroyed, which was the case for 11 producers. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and leader in hemp research at UGA, said he heard farmers in east Georgia who …
Planting and Pruning Ornamental Plants
According to Alabama Extension, colder temperatures means that it is time to begin planting and pruning certain ornamental plants. These plants, grown primarily for their aesthetic value, benefit greatly from selective cutting. Pruning keeps the plants in shape and growing successfully. Also known as trimming, pruning is a necessary strategy for gardeners and landscapers alike. Planting Ornamentals Different times of …
UF Blueberry Breeder on Sentinel Variety: It Can Make You Money
The University of Florida’s (UF) newest blueberry variety possesses the quality all growers want in the Sunshine State. “It can make you money,” said Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder. Munoz emphasized the attributes that make the Sentinel variety highly sought after from Florida farmers. “We can go around to yield, quality and everything but, yes, this one can make you …
UGA Pecan Production Meetings Virtually in 2021
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension will hold pecan production meetings virtually in January, February and March. UGA Pecan Team members include Lenny Wells (Extension pecan specialist), Angel Acebes (entomologist), Andrew Sawyer (Area Pecan Agent-Southeast District) and Jason Brock (plant disease diagnostician). All will give presentations and be available for questions over Zoom. Tentative dates for the meetings are as …
Sneak Peek: January 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The January issue of VSCNews magazine will be the blueberry grower’s handbook heading into the 2021 season. Chilli thrips are a growing threat for blueberry growers. Without proper management of the pest, overall plant vigor and yields can be affected. Oscar Liburd, a professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in …
New BMP Record-Keeping Requirements for Florida Growers
By Ajia Paolillo On July 1, 2020, new record-keeping requirements went into effect for nitrogen and phosphorus amounts applied by growers enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practices (BMP) program. These records are required due to the passage of Senate Bill 712, the Clean Waterways Act. Growers have been asking many questions about …
Alabama Counties Designated Disaster Areas From Hurricane Zeta
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 Alabama counties as primary disaster areas, due to damage and losses caused by Hurricane Zeta Oct. 28–29. USDA reviewed the Loss Assessment Reports and determined that there were sufficient production losses to warrant a Secretarial natural disaster designation. In accordance with …
The Top Reasons Why We Believe in Florida Citrus
Fifteen years into the fight against HLB, growers keep learning and producing fruit and will continue to do so.
Chilly December Aiding Southeast Fruit Farmers
A chilly December should have alleviated some concerns of Southeast fruit farmers worried about chill hours in a La Nina winter, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “If you look at the plot of chill hours over this year, November was quite warm. I think they were running way below normal in the number of chill …