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By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ newly released ‘Ember’ strawberry variety will be widely grown in South Florida’s strawberry region. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, plans to grow half of his crop this year with the ‘Ember’ variety. It has numerous attributes that make it a valuable …
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin season is nearing its end for North Georgia producer Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms. It’s been a strong season for growers like Echols. “Everything this year has been super, really good. We had a three-week really hot spell this summer, and it was kind of inopportune as far as, pumpkins don’t like hot weather when …
By Frank Giles In agricultural circles, we often lament about “preaching to the choir.” We have a lot of issues, but a relatively small universe of peers to air our opinions about the problem and possible solutions. It’s not easy breaking through to influence the non-agricultural world, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Preachers to the choir are not …
By Clint Thompson The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor reflects worsening drought conditions across Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The driest conditions in Alabama are in the western part of the state. Extreme conditions are seen in Marengo, Dallas, Perry, Hale, Greene, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Bibb counties. Severe conditions are seen in other areas of those counties as …
By Clint Thompson Florida Farmer of the Year Jim Alderman was humbled and thrilled to represent Florida at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon on Tuesday in Moultrie, Georgia. While Alderman did not win the award – it was presented to Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton – he expressed gratitude for being able to represent Florida …
By Clint Thompson South Georgia vegetable farmer Kent Hamilton was named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the annual luncheon on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day Expo event in Moultrie, Georgia. Hamilton, chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, highlighted the attributes that have helped him succeed over …
The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, has been problematic for cotton and vegetable growers across the Southeast. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, the jassid is impacting growers in southern Florida. Scouts are reporting the insect’s presence in Southwest Florida, with population levels ranging from low to high on eggplant. Population levels are …
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers remain optimistic that India has a bright future as a pecan export destination. Georgia pecan grower Justin Jones first discussed India during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Trade Show last April. He addressed the issue again at the recent Fall Field Day in Tifton, Georgia. “The biggest thing for us right now …
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) seeks nominations for its annual awards program. Nominations are due Nov. 1, while the winners will be recognized at the AFVGA Annual Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Feb. 4-6. Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, talked about this year’s awards and the process in selecting the winners. “This is …
By Clint Thompson There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future. Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an …
