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. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott
USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines For Summer Cookouts
(WASHINGTON) — As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors …
Drought Monitor Update: Florida Still Mostly Dry
The May 22 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought in central and southern Florida, though conditions are much improved in Georgia and Alabama. Extreme drought is still present in a large area in South Florida. It includes all or parts of such counties as Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. Severe …
Overview of Florida’s Peach Industry
By Clint Thompson Adequate chilling and warm temperatures in early spring helped Florida’s peach crop to develop as they should. As a result, growers enjoy a productive season with this year’s crop. “We had a normal year in terms of chilling, with the accumulative chilling in November and December. They bloomed in the middle of January, and they had enough …
North Florida Watermelons ‘Excellent’ Crop
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are well underway across the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, likes the quality and quantity of this year’s crop, even with some acres impacted by fusarium wilt disease. “I think we’ve got an excellent crop …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Endangered Species Act Compliance for Herbicide Application
By Brett Bultemeier EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of two articles on pesticide label changes related to the Endangered Species Act. Many growers have probably heard rumblings about various strategies, pesticide use limitation areas, endangered species and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While there have been lots of updates and much information swirling around, there is …
IPCs Provide Citrus Trees a ‘Fighting Chance’
Citrus Research and Development Foundation President Morgan McKenna Porter said individual protective covers (IPCs) give newly planted trees a “fighting chance” against huanglongbing (HLB) and serve as a bridge until HLB-resistant trees are available. “IPCs are not flawless, but they certainly can be optimized,” Porter said. “I have the ability to plant a young tree and put an IPC over …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Touts ‘Great’ Time of Year for Fruits, Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Spring vegetable crops are in the ground. Fruits like peaches and blueberries are being harvested or about to be, as are Vidalia onions. It’s a great time of year for Georgia’s specialty crop industry, explains Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper. He touted Georgia Grown during the UGA Grand Farm groundbreaking ceremony in Perry, Georgia. “When you get …
Eyeing More Profits: Alabama Tomato Farmer Modifying Business Operations
By Clint Thompson Low crop prices and high input expenses are forcing specialty crop producers to modify their farming operations. How business is done today is different than it was 20 years ago; maybe even 10 years ago. Alabama tomato grower Destiny Allman Gladden has to be more conscious of the business decisions she makes in hopes of improving her …
Pecan Nut Casebearer Update
By Maegan Beatty Southeast pecan growers face an ongoing challenge from a tiny but destructive pest called the pecan nut casebearer. The insect targets young pecan buds and shoots in early spring, usually before the nuts have a chance to develop. If left unmanaged, infestations can severely reduce crop yields and weaken tree health. The pecan nut casebearer is most …