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RALEIGH — It has been months since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina (N.C.), and recovery is still ongoing throughout the region. Many residents and growers had devastating losses, but work is under way to rebuild and move forward in 2025. To help with recovery, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Division is offering all of …
By Clint Thompson Tuesday’s tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration is helping level the playing field for Georgia’s fruit and vegetable industries. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the trade war which resulted in tariffs levied on China, Mexico and Canada. “We have tried everything we know to level the playing …
By Clint Thompson Alabama fruit and vegetable growers can go ahead and mark their calendars for next year’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show. It will once again be held in February in Gulf Shores, Alabama, says Blake Thaxton, executive director of the AFVGA. “It is an ideal time, and I think we’re gaining steam …
By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion growers must prioritize thrips control with harvest season approaching. Since thrips vector center rot disease, producers must be diligent in their scouting and insecticide sprays, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent. “February is usually the time we start worrying about thrips, February and March, really. They are the two …
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue to collect the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties through April 18, 2025. Conducted just once every five years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties is the only source of detailed production and sales data for U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop industries, including greenhouse food crops. Growers …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s House Bill (HB) 164, otherwise known as the truck weights bill, passed through the house and is now awaiting discussion by the senate, says Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley. “Truck weights has gone over to the senate. We are expecting that to get a hearing, probably right after crossover day, is what we’ve been …
By Clint Thompson Jamieson Greer’s confirmation as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is a win for production agriculture. He provides experience at a job that will require plenty to navigate the various challenges that lie ahead. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington D.C., discussed the impact of Greer’s …
By Clint Thompson HB 223 continues to move through Georgia’s legislative process. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, along with House Whip James Burchett, introduced the bill, which was designed to provide state assistance to help farmers and timber owners in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The bill passed the House on Feb. 18 and is currently being modified in the Senate, …
By Clint Thompson Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) should be a concern for Alabama vegetable growers. Two outbreaks since 2020 is cause for concern, especially since there were only two outbreaks in the previous 40 years. Alabama farmers must be mindful of controlling western flower thrips, the major vectors of the disease, says Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and …
By Clint Thompson Warmer temperatures means San Jose scale populations will begin increasing in peach orchards. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, outlined in the UGA Peach Blog, there is still time to apply delayed-dormant sprays. If growers are implementing delayed dormant sprays, apply a dormant horticultural oil at a …
