Enzymes are an essential element in the cells of all living plants. University of Florida research is tailored towards getting more mileage out of this essential component. Longer lasting enzymes could lead to increased yields in plants that are produced for food, fuel and fiber. That’s the thought process of Andrew Hanson, and eminent scholar and professor in the UF/IFAS …
Warmer and Drier Winter? Not So Much
What was expected to be warm and dry turned out to be cold and wet for most of the Southeast. Don’t blame La Nina, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “It’s unusual, but it’s not unprecedented. I think the last time it happened was early in the 21st Century, close to 20 years now. We did have …
Micro-Grants: USDA Announces Funding Available for Food Security Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Tuesday there will be $5.3 million in funding for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). The MGFSP was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill and is designed support communities that have significant levels of food insecurity and import significant quantities of food. Grants are awarded non-competitively to …
Warmer Temps Mean Increased Pest Pressure in South Florida
Temperatures are starting to warm considerably in South Florida. Vegetable farmers need to be mindful of various insects that thrive in hot conditions. “It’s been warming up so you kind of expect to see a flush of pests in the near future. It’s kind of hit and miss in some places with whiteflies and things,” said Craig Frey, University of …
Georgia Vegetable Farmer: Blueberry Verdict Took Wind out of my Sails
Farmers of squash and cucumbers will have their say with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in two weeks. But don’t count Georgia farmer Jason Tyrone as one who is optimistic about farmers’ chances of convincing the USITC that imports are inflicting serious injury on the domestic crop. He just points to the USITC verdict regarding blueberries. “I hope I’m …
National Ag Day, 2021
President Biden Issues Proclamation MARCH 22, 2021 On National Agriculture Day, we recognize the unique and irreplaceable value that farmers, ranchers, foresters, farmworkers, and other agricultural stewards have contributed to our Nation’s past and present. America’s agriculture sector safeguards our Nation’s lands through sustainable management; ensures the health and safety of animals, plants, and people; provides a safe and abundant food …
Effectively Managing Pests While Protecting Pollinators
By Sylvia Willis, Amy Vu and Jamie Ellis Pollinators play an important role in the production of crops around the nation. Different crops rely on different techniques for pollination. Corn, for example, uses wind to carry pollen to female flowers, whereas watermelon depends on pollinators to deliver pollen. Pollinators include insects, birds and bats. Many fruits and vegetables result directly …
ABT Infestations: Population Levels Continue to Vary From Farm to Farm
The most recent scouting report for Asian bean thrips (ABT) from the University of Florida/IFAS shows that populations continue to vary from farm to farm and plantings to plantings. Continuous management is necessary since it appears that two modes of action is not sufficient in reducing ABT populations. Most farms in southeastern Hendry County averaged 0.2 ABT per bud and …
Challenging Crop: Alabama Hemp Faced Pests, Diseases in 2020
Hemp production in Alabama had its challenges in 2020. From ant problems to plant diseases, hemp producers struggled to produce a crop. Kassie Conner, an Alabama Extension specialist II, discussed some of the obstacles farmers faced last year during an Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook Live Q&A session on Friday. “I think probably the main disease we saw was southern …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act: GFVGA Pushing for Changes
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is in the hands of the Senate. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), is hopeful changes will be made to several provisions in the bill that would impact Georgia producers; specifically the one regarding Certified Ag Workers. “One of the things that is concerning is how the Certified …