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By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) Pecan School on Wednesday educated potential producers and served as a reminder to veteran growers about the costly expenses associated with pecan production. Costs for required equipment have risen from $533,000 in 2019 to $873,000 in 2023. Input prices have also increased, while pecan prices floundered to an average of $1.69 per …
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has launched an inquiry into how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts its Farm Labor Survey in Georgia. Ossoff inquired with the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), asking for more transparency in the Farm Labor Survey, which the Department of Labor uses to determine wages for H-2A workers in Georgia and …
Whitefly infestations are increasing across vegetable fields in central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple scouts reported low but increasing numbers of whiteflies on tomatoes in the central Florida area. Older squash plantings have been hit hard by the insects, as reports indicate moderate to high populations. Younger squash plants have low populations. …
By Clint Thompson A research grant targeting anthracnose disease in cucurbit crops has one University of Georgia scientist studying irrigation timing and leaf wetness. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, outlined the details of his part of the research. “To document periods of leaf wetness and how that really influences the …
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn volume should ramp up during the first couple of weeks of April. The increased production will be much needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. “We had a little bit of a slower start this year. There were some rain skips in the fall and …
By Edmar Ramos de Oliveira Filho As the transition away from fossil fuels occurs, efforts to move from a linear to a circular economy are necessary. Biotechnology can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This includes new processes for biomanufacturing innovative products from renewable sources, thereby avoiding the use of petroleum-based feedstocks and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural …
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. Statewide Lacy Barnette, Climate-Smart Leafy Greens Program Coastal Region Anna Sarah Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
This year’s Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference will examine critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provide valuable economic insights to help stakeholders make informed business and policy decisions. The conference returns to the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on April 17, where it was held last year. Those interested in attending can register here …
By Clint Thompson Labor expenses are a costly input for Florida tomato producers and serve as a significant reason the industry is emphasizing research into automated harvesters. Opinions vary on whether that dream ultimately becomes a reality, though University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown insists there are alternative ways for growers to …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have the majority of this year’s crop in the ground … and there is a lot of it following a substantial increase in acres. “I think the consensus is there is an increase in acreage in this vicinity. Exactly how much? It seems like it’s 10% more,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
