South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …
AFBF Urges Against One-Size-Fits-All Regulation for Workplace Heat Standard
By Clint Thompson A one-size-fits-all regulation to protect workers from heat stress could have significant ramifications for farmers and farming operations. That is why the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging restraint as it waits to see what standard the federal government develops, says Allison Crittenden, director of Congressional Relations at AFBF. “Is it a requirement to just have …
Ag Labor Reform: Important Issue Hopefully Resolved Before 2022
By Clint Thompson The final two and a half months of 2021 could be pivotal in Congress’ pursuit of Ag labor reform. John Walt Boatright, director of National Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau Federation, stresses the importance of a Senate Bill being in place before 2022. “Ag labor reform continues to be a major priority for Florida agriculture. Florida’s now …
High Pecan Prices so Far for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson Early returns on this year’s pecan crop show high prices for Pawnee varieties, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve been hearing anywhere from $2.50 to $2.65 in that range for Pawnee, which is good,” Wells said. Pawnee pecans are usually the first variety to be ready for harvest every season, usually about …
More Satsumas? What Georgia Producers Need to Consider Before Planting
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s citrus production could flood the market in less than three years. By 2024, there is projected to be more than 59 million pounds of citrus ready for harvest, says Jake Price, University of Georgia Lowndes County Extension coordinator. That is compared to 8.4 million pounds that is ready for harvest this year. “You can average three …
Farm to School Experience: FDACS to Host Wednesday Conference Virtually
Tallahassee, Fla. –The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness will host a virtual Farm to School Experience on Wednesday, Oct. 20. It is an opportunity for schools, distributors and producers to connect and learn more about the 2021 Farm to School initiative. The initiative helps increase the amount of fresh, local foods …
Legacy and Belief in the Future of Florida Citrus Is Strong
2021 Citrus Achievement Award winner Larry Black is a firm believer in the industry and its future. See why in this exclusive Q&A.
Letter to President: Action Needed Now Against ‘Unfair’ Imports
The message is clear: Action is needed immediately against “unfair” imports. Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, along with more than half of Florida’s congressional delegation, pleaded with President Joe Biden in a letter addressed on Oct. 6 that the “long-standing threats posed to our security by unfairly-priced and high-volume imports are as grave as ever and deserve your …
Farm Budgets More Important Than Ever
By Clint Thompson In an era of high input costs for all and low commodity prices for some, farm budgeting is an essential part of any vegetable or specialty crop producer’s farming operation. Jessie Rowan, Alabama Regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, stresses the importance of keeping track of daily costs. It will …
Open House, Field Day Planned for UF Citrus Research and Education Center
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) research information pertinent to Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, will be front and center at a Nov. 16 Open House and Field Day at the Lake Alfred experiment station. What Can Attendees Expect? More than 20 hands-on exhibits will feature the latest research findings to …