By Clint Thompson Recent cold temperatures impacted South Carolina’s blueberry crop, just not to the extent farmers are used to. Bruce McLean, Clemson (S.C.) Extension area commercial horticulture agent for Dillon County, Horry County, Marion County and Malboro County, said rabbiteye varieties appear to be the ones most affected. “As far as the crop itself, some varieties really look phenomenal. …
North Carolina Extension Seeks Help With Survey
North Carolina Cooperative Extension seeks help from farmers with a short survey. As producers fill out the survey, it will help Extension assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the specialty crop (fruit and vegetable) and agritourism industry in North Carolina. The survey will help shape Extension’s response. N.C. State IRB approved the survey. Also, Extension specialists in the …
Georgia Farmer Thinking Inside the Box
By Clint Thompson One South Georgia farmer is thinking inside the box when it comes to moving this year’s fruit and vegetable crop. Like his brethren in Florida, Bill Brim’s farming operation has been impacted by the orders of self-quarantine amid the current coronavirus pandemic. The lack of a foodservice market led to a sharp decline in demand for fresh …
N.C. State Extension Specialist: Vegetables Look Fabulous
By Clint Thompson North Carolina vegetables look “fabulous,” according to Chris Gunter, N.C. State Extension vegetable production specialist. In fact, the main concern appears to be having enough workers in place to pick the crop once harvest season begins. And also how to keep their labor force safe amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “They’re more concerned about how it’s going …
Georgia Blueberry Growers Work to Overcome Challenges
By Ashley Robinson University of Georgia area Extension blueberry agent Renee Holland is confident about this year’s crop despite a challenging season. “This season, we have a beautiful blueberry crop load in Georgia,” Holland siad. “The berry quality is excellent, and thankfully, we’ve had very little disease or pest issues this year.” Challenges Facing Growers Georgia blueberry growers are no …
UGA Researcher: Vegetable Morphology Key in Helping Plant Breeders
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia plant biologist Esther van der Knaap has studied genes in vegetables for more than 20 years. She believes the more information that scientists can obtain about a vegetable’s morphology; referring to its size and shape; the better equipped plant breeders will be in creating new and better cultivars. The lack of knowledge on morphological …
UF Weather Alert Website for Farms now Mobile-Friendly, Among Other Updates
By: Kirsten Romaguera, 352-294-3313, kromaguera@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) just relaunched its website with a new look and additional user-focused features. It is a University of Florida-operated service aiding agricultural decision-makers statewide since 1997. “Our main goal in revamping the site was to make it more efficient for users,” said Rick Lusher, UF/IFAS project manager …
Watch out for Invasive Species
By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants help in identifying invasive species that threaten our food supply and cause plant diseases. Especially since April is designated “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month” Samantha Simon, USDA’s Executive Director of Emergency and Domestic Programs, says invasive species can threaten agriculture and many farming operations, especially in the …
Food Safety a Top Priority in Alabama Produce Industry
By Katie Nichols, Communications Specialist/Alabama Cooperative Extension System AUBURN University, Ala. – With Alabama’s growing season in full swing, produce growers are working to ensure continuing food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC, USDA and FDA agree that there is no indication the virus can infect consumers through food or food packaging. Good Agricultural Practices Alabama Extension food safety …
USDA’s Buy Fresh program has tight deadlines
The newly announced $100-million-per-month USDA Buy Fresh program offers produce companies a way to sell products for government feeding programs. And the application process starts right away. The United Fresh Produce Association BB #:145458 said USDA told them the requests for proposals will open April 24; proposals are due back to USDA May 1; awards will be announced May 8; …