By Clint Thompson The recent increase of input and supply expenses has led to businesses increasing consumer prices. While most can simply increase their consumer prices to recoup those expenses, fruit and vegetable crop producers are not always as fortunate. Jeff Dorfman, University of Georgia Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and State Fiscal Economist for Georgia, …
Fall Watermelon Production Not Recommended in North Florida
By Clint Thompson Josh Freeman, University of Florida (UF)/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Associate Professor in Horticultural Science, is completely honest when assessing the potential of fall watermelon production in north Florida. “To be completely frank, we would not recommend watermelon growers grow watermelons in the fall,” Freeman said. His blunt assessment is attributed to the multiple variables …
Downy Mildew Disease Control Options
Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath reports in the The South Carolina Grower that conditions are favorable for downy mildew disease to start on collards and kale. Control methods must be effective to increase crop yields. Keinath recommends the following practices to maximize control: Rotate crops to new fields every year, since downy mildew disease in brassicas can survive in the …
Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Florida
Whiteflies remain sporadic in areas across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Growers and scouts report populations are low to moderate in most areas in southwest Florida. Recent rainstorms help suppress some of those populations. Growers are also continuing to find whiteflies after heavy spray programs. Respondents indicate that whitefly infestations are widely present across central …
Scouting Pivotal for Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains a pivotal tool in strawberry producers’ fight against Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, cautions producers about what to look out for in the early stages of this year’s strawberry season. “At this stage in the fall you would look for leaves with brown leaf spots, especially on …
Crop Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Summaries
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide There are some reports that anthracnose may be an issue in strawberries this year. In addition, we are continuing to look out for the new disease, Neopestalotiopsis. Clemson Plant Pathologist Guido Schnabel has recommended applying …
Georgia Blueberry Commission Votes Zero Confidence on Ongoing Referendum
A referendum is under way for U.S. blueberry producers and will continue through Oct. 22. The referendum is being conducted for eligible producers and importers of highbush blueberries to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s regulations regarding a national highbush blueberry research and promotion program. The Georgia Blueberrry Commission, however, has issued a unanimous vote to …
UF/IFAS to Host Upcoming Citrus Events
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) faculty are hosting a number of events for citrus growers in the upcoming weeks. All events are free but require preregistration. Oct. 26 Citrus Nutrition Day 9 a.m. to Noon Citrus Research and Education Center Ben Hill …
On Tap: Citrus Variety Display Days are Back On in Florida
It’s time for industry stakeholders to gather and sample again. Check out the 2021-2022 schedule.
Vaccine Mandate: AFBF Concerned About Potential Impact on Agriculture
By Clint Thompson President Joe Biden’s wish that businesses require COVID-19 vaccines for their employees has Ag leaders concerned about its potential impact for farmers. Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), offers her concerns about the ramifications that implementing such a mandate would have on local producers. “We are always focused on how …