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By Clint Thompson According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the average farming age was 58 with only about 9% of total producers less than 35 years old. It is a profession that needs to get younger, but how does that happen? Alabama producer Taylor Hatchett believes industry leaders must focus on the worthy profession they get to serve and …
One Florida citrus industry leader is impressed with Georgia’s burgeoning industry. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, believes Georgia’s industry can continue to grow as long as it manages citrus greening effectively. He stressed eradication when speaking about citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), at the annual meeting on Feb. 25. “Georgia’s potential is bright …
By Clint Thompson The 2025 Georgia State Legislative Session continues, and two proposed bills are hoping to protect the state’s agricultural sector by clarifying pesticide labeling. SB 144 and HB 424 passed unanimously through the Agriculture Committees. The purpose of SB 144, sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson, is to clarify what pesticide manufacturers are obligated to include on their product …
Whitefly infestations are low but mostly increasing across areas in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In central Florida, scout reports indicate low whitefly population levels in tomatoes. In southwest Florida, scouts report low to moderate whitefly population levels. Some newly planted tomato, cucurbit and potato fields are being infested early, within a few days …
By Frank Giles With inflated input costs and tight profit margins in recent years, some specialty crop growers have sought to diversify their businesses to generate new revenue streams and to spread risks. Agritourism has been the choice for some farms. Agritourism encompasses several categories, including you-pick, direct-to-consumer retail sales, and venue space for weddings and other events. Growers considering …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and hunters from drone harassment. The proposal will prohibit the drones on designated agricultural lands designated without the property owner’s approval and will prohibit drones on or near private property, state-hunting lands, or shooting ranges with the intent …
Last fall, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) held an essay writing contest to support its Farm-to-School program. The program’s goal is to link Florida farmers with school districts to provide locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The essay contest sought to engage the students who benefit from the program. More than 240 students submitted an essay. …
By Clint Thompson Most North Florida watermelon growers are on the cusp of another planting season. While some acres across the region are planted in late February, most are planted, beginning in March, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think the majority of our …
The cover story of the March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights whiteflies and how they can devastate vegetables with the viruses they transmit. Weather can contribute to the severity of whitefly infestations. In 2016 and 2017, weather conditions were hot and dry which led to whitefly populations spiraling out of control. Multiple university researchers talked about the pest …
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 Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
