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Climate change is a key reason that citrus production has progressed in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama, the area known as the cold-hardy citrus region. As more varieties, other than satsuma mandarins, continue to be planted in the area, warmer temperatures are needed for trees to flourish. Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the …
The cover story of the December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Southern Hill Farms in Lake County, Florida. Diversification is the name of the game for David Hill and his family’s farming operation. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and vegetable crops are available, which has widened the you-pick season through the fall, winter and spring seasons. The International Fresh Produce …
By Clint Thompson As if most did not already realize, October was really warm across the Southeast. In fact, it was toasty across the entire U.S. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in her UGA Extension Climate Blog, that October 2024 was the second warmest October on record since 1895. Adding to the unexpected heat wave, …
Washington, D.C. — Georgia farmers support U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan push to pass agricultural disaster assistance before the end of the year. Sen. Ossoff testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations on the urgent need to support Georgia agriculture after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. He pressed both parties to pass agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before …
Tasty treats are expected this Thanksgiving, but don’t let the leftovers linger too long this holiday season. Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that proliferates in food kept at improper temperatures, thrives in high-protein foods of animal origin, including red meat, poultry, pork and gravy, according to an Ask IFAS article. While outbreaks are typically more prevalent in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons …
Thanksgiving Day means family reunions and turkeys being cooked across the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides safety tips for families cooking a turkey this year, starting with thawing the turkey. There are two safe ways to thaw a turkey: in the refrigerator or in cold water. Please be aware that thawing a frozen turkey on the kitchen …
By Clint Thompson The current deflated pecan market prices emphasizes the need for additional export markets for Georgia and Alabama producers. Growers are relying on regional and national pecan organizations to open up pathways for the Southeast pecan crop to find an international home, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “It certainly creates even more of …
By Clint Thompson The calendar says it’s the end of November, which means it is prime time for Florida blueberry producers to manage potential disease buildup in next year’s crop. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, highlighted a few that growers should be mindful of this time of …
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement in response to the USDA’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative announced last week. “The last four years have been turbulent for the specialty crop industry due to skyrocketing costs of production inputs, especially labor, as well as competition from imports with lower input costs. This …
By Clint Thompson A new administration in the White House beginning in 2025 provides a fresh start for the agricultural community. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., discussed the ramifications of the November election and what can be expected in the agricultural industry moving forward. “I think …
