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By Clint Thompson Foliar insecticide applications are essential for pecan producers hoping to control pecan phylloxera, an insect pest in the Southeast. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed the insect during the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day at the UGA Ponder Farm in Tifton, Georgia. He stressed that foliar applications are most effective …
By Clint Thompson Labor remains a top priority for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers. Whether it’s staying in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or learning more about the H-2A and H-2B programs, specialty crop producers need events like this week’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum to stay updated on a topic that evolves regularly. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
Citrus has a brighter future in Florida and surrounding areas, according to one industry expert. Hopefully, there will be enough farmers left standing to profit from it. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, was a featured speaker at this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. He spoke about the industry’s future as it continues to navigate …
Clint Thompson Whitefly populations have always been problematic for Florida vegetable growers. Those problems have increased in recent years, according to one industry expert. Ryan Richards, a consultant with Simplot, was part of a panel discussion during last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The discussion centered on whiteflies. “I would say in the last 10 years, it’s a drastic …
By Clint Thompson The U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement’s official termination in mid-July has already impacted tomato prices and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), discussed the Consumer Price Index and its impact during an interview with AgNet Media at last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. He …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s mango industry has rebounded following a drastic production decrease following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. According to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, the industry hit its lowest point at about 1,000 acres but has more than tripled since. Fresh Florida-grown mangoes are producing high …
By Frank Giles There has been a lot of breaking news on the labor front lately. More came down just as we were set to send this issue to the printer. In late August, a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule. Opponents of the methodology applauded the …
By Clint Thompson The lack of rain in recent weeks has led to drought conditions worsening across the Southeast, according to the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama start in the southwest part of the state in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expand northward to Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Severe and moderate drought …
RALEIGH (N.C.) – Applications are now being accepted for the North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI), a program designed to strengthen the state’s food and fiber supply chain. This initiative supports the growth and modernization of agricultural manufacturing and processing capacity across North Carolina, with special guidance in place for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. The NCAMPI program …
By Clint Thompson This year’s Vidalia onion season is underway as seedbeds are currently being planted in Southeast Georgia. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, talked about his growers’ mindsets and the industry’s outlook heading into the fall, especially following season’s challenges that included Hurricane Helene …
