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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to expand mental health resources for Georgia farmers. Ossoff launched a push to pass the bipartisan Farmers First Act, legislation he co-sponsored that aims to expand mental health resources for Georgia farmers. The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the national Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) for Fiscal …
As we enter Florida’s strawberry-growing season, establishing young strawberry plants in the field requires substantial water. New University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research shows that growers can save as much as 67% — or up to half a million gallons per acre per season by alternating sprinkler cycles on and off — and achieve the …
By Clint Thompson Alabama specialty crop farmers should be mindful that the early-bird registration for next year’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show ends Dec. 31. The annual conference and trade show is scheduled for Feb. 5-7, 2025, at the Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Registration includes all general meal functions, breakouts …
Lakeland, FL — The National Watermelon Association (NWA) extends its congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next Secretary of Agriculture. “As an organization deeply rooted in serving the interests of American farmers, we are encouraged by Ms. Rollins’ stated commitment to championing the needs of rural communities and agriculture producers,” said George …
Horticultural imports from Mexico increased from $3.9 billion to $19.7 billion, from 2000 to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. It equates to an annual growth rate of 7.3% and speaks to the concerns Southeast specialty crop producers have about increased imports from other countries. Mexico’s horticultural exports were mostly bound for the U.S., accounting …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan yields for this season are almost impossible to predict. Between increased plantings over the past decade and hurricane damage sustained from Helene this year, there is no good way to estimate this year’s crop, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “We know what the acreage is, but it’s hard to predict …
By Clint Thompson President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants will have ramifications for the country’s specialty crop producers. The fruit and vegetable sector utilizes more labor than most and is more reliant on an international work force. If Trump follows through on one of his campaign promises, it would mean fewer workers for Ag employers across the country, …
U.S. agricultural exports are forecast at $170 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025, an increase of $500 million from the August forecast. Ag imports in FY 2025 are forecast at $215.5 billion, an increase of $3.5 billion from the August forecast and $9.3 billion more than the $206.2 billion recorded in FY 2024. These latest forecasts are according to the …
Weekly Field Update 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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King
The most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline indicates whitefly pressure to be low in the region, except for some fields in Southwest Florida and in Homestead, Florida. Scouts reported increasing population levels in the Immokalee area in various crops, including low to moderate levels in tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant, squash and cucumbers. Whitefly numbers are low …
