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By Clint Thompson The opening of the University of Georgia (UGA) Grand Farm in early May provides hope to specialty crop producers that innovative technologies could one day replace costly labor expenses that are negating potential profits. One fruit grower believes in its mission and helped provide legislative support for the research site, located adjacent to the Perry Fairgrounds. “I …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon harvests are expected to take off this week amid prolonged sunshine in the forecast. In fact, some have already started. “I saw some busses locally that were loaded with watermelons, so apparently somebody started over the weekend,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
By Clint Thompson Challenges accompany the use of machine harvesters in Florida blueberry production. But as growers who implement the technology on their farms will attest, the long-term benefits are worth the short-term headaches. Ryan Atwood, Kyle Hill and Kyle Straughn were part of a grower panel at a Florida blueberry meeting in Citra on March 6. They agreed that …
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. Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Upstate Briana Naumuk
By Clint Thompson The Stone Fruit Field Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, on May 7 introduced attendees to the future of the state’s peach production. Research plots focused on peach production in high density orchards. It’s a research study that highlights more planted …
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos are reminded that the insecticide can only be applied to food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. Grower Guidance University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be …
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers should be on the lookout for a poll, administered by the Alabama Extension and Auburn University researchers, and will provide lawmakers with agricultural data from the state’s producers. The poll is expected to arrive via the U.S. Postal Service. Kelli Russell, an Alabama Extension assistant professor in agricultural economics and rural sociology, said this …
By Clint Thompson The cancellation of the Local Foods for Schools Program (LFS) left one U.S. Senator asking the Ag Secretary, ‘Why?’ A heated exchange between Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins occurred during the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing on May 6. Ossoff asked why …
By Clint Thompson A ‘significant increase’ in watermelon diseases is expected across the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida following rainfall last weekend. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, reported in his weekly email that reports over gummy stem blight and downy mildew should spike after rainfall …
By Clint Thompson Anthracnose in pepper is the basis for research collaboration between the University of Georgia and Cornell University. Incidences of the disease have increased in pepper in recent years, sparking concern of a new species or species complex within the agricultural communities in both Georgia and New York. Because of the lack of treatment methods available to organic …
