By Clint Thompson The ongoing truck driver shortage is not a problem that will be solved overnight. What can help, though, is that companies stop stealing each other’s drivers, says Tra Williams, owner and president of Fleetforce Truck Driving School in Winter Haven, Florida. “Stealing each other’s drivers is not solving this problem. The longer you focus on saying, ‘I’ve …
Prioritizing Plant Breeding
By J. Scott Angle The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) team that has released more than 250 fruit, vegetable and other plant cultivars in the past decade is getting even stronger. Seven budding scientists from around the world arrived in Florida in August to work with Plant Breeders Working Group faculty in creating Florida crops. …
Florida Vegetable Expert: There’s Going to Be Damage Out There
By Clint Thompson South Florida’s vegetable crop sustained some damage during last weekend’s cold temperatures. It was too cold not to. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/IFAS Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, said temperatures dipped as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the Immokalee, Florida area. The young watermelon plants were especially at risk. “I think watermelons that were not …
Alabama Growers Permit Available
Alabama Extension reminds interested producers that they can obtain a growers permit that allows them to sell directly to consumers without paying licensing fees or sales tax for raw agricultural commodities that they raise. This allows farmers to market their products anywhere in Alabama and reduces barriers to the availability of fresh and nutritious Alabama products. The agricultural commodities include …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates Across State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Pest and disease issues in the area remain very low. However, as temperatures rise, we expect activity to increase. Although it is quiet, it is still essential to continue to scout. Assessment …
So Far So Good: Blueberry Growers Still Evaluating Crop After Frigid Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures this past weekend had blueberry growers across the Southeast on high alert. Some applied frost protection, others did not. Some emerged mostly unscathed, while others experienced some damage. The full extent of the impact will not be fully known until later this week, says Renee Holland, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension area blueberry agent and …
New Vaccine Rule Could Impact H-2A Worker Availability
By Clint Thompson The new requirement that non-U.S. citizens entering the United States be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 could impact access farm laborers have to H-2A workers. That’s the concern shared by Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “What they’re asking is that they verbally attest to the vaccination status, and they have …
Freezing Aftermath: Scout Blueberries to Survey Damage Before Applying Fungicides
By Clint Thompson Southeast producers with blueberries impacted by last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures need to survey any damage to their crop before applying fungicides to protect against subsequent diseases, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “As far as the blueberries go, we’re going to have to see where things stand. The fungicides …
North Carolina Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Cold Temperatures
North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension reminds strawberry growers that while temperatures will be cold this weekend, not all need to apply row covers to their crop. Dormant plants that are acclimated to colder weather usually do fine without protection even when temperatures are in the teens. Plants that are in an advanced crop status, however, could be damaged at higher …
Fried Reminds Producers of USDA Assistance Ahead of Weekend Cold Front
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried reminds producers about federal disaster assistant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ahead of frigid temperatures this weekend. Growers need to keep accurate records of any losses and damages. Producers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to file a Notice of Loss or to learn more about available programs and required …