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By Frank Giles As the Russian invasion of Ukraine stretches into its second week, growers in the United States and globally are feeling the fallout. Fuel price hikes are being felt by all consumers, including growers. Last week, the U.S. main price for oil topped $110 per barrel. That is the highest price in more than a decade. Over the …
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, “Starting with strawberries, the development of plants is taking off with little in the way of disease pressure currently. Flower formation and fruit set are beginning. Keep monitoring crops for botrytis development …
The N.C. State Extension Turfgrass Short Course will be held April 11-14 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. Landscape managers, golf course personnel, sports turf managers, master gardeners, homeowners and residents seeking more information are encouraged to attend the four-day course. Faculty in N.C. State’s turfgrass program will cover all aspects of turfgrass management. Topics include …
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of Florida tomatoes has led to suppressed market prices for growers. That hasn’t deterred the optimism of one industry leader, however, who believes brighter days are on the horizon. “You can’t be in agriculture if you’re not an optimist. Damn right, we’re assuming that right beyond that ugly cloud is a beautiful rainbow, warm skies …
It is that time of year again when we seek nominations for the next Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. Since 2000, the honor has grown into the gold standard of industry recognition for those who have made and continue to make a significant impact within and even beyond the Florida citrus community. The Citrus Achievement Award is presented to …
By Sriyanka Lahiri Currently, strawberry production in Florida is particularly susceptible to infestation by chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). Although chilli thrips had been reported as a pest of ornamentals in Florida before, it wasn’t until 2015 when strawberry fields started to be severely impacted by this invasive pest. CHEMICAL CONTROLSChemical control is the predominant tool to manage chilli thrips. However, …
A Florida company has entered into a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor over violations to the H-2A program. The violations occurred on a Missouri farm where the employer failed to provide proper, sanitary housing and failed to pay the visa workers their full wages. Under terms of a settlement agreement signed by the U.S. Department of Labor and …
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions meant an early start to watermelon planting for Florida producers in the Suwanee Valley area. Hopefully, it will translate to early harvests that meet the Memorial Day window. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact, which included some …
By Clint Thompson The spring season is just around the corner for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. High fertilizer expenses, increased gas and diesel prices and unpredictable weather conditions are just a few of the challenges farmers face over the next several months. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the mindset of …
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of tomatoes this season has led to decreased market prices for Florida producers. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, said prices for tomatoes are an estimated $5 to $7 FOB (freight on board) compared to desired prices of $9 to $11. It stems from increased acreage. “The problem we’re experiencing right …
