By Clint Thompson Estimating this year’s pecan crop in Georgia is easier said than done. That’s why Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, steers clear when making such predictions. Various factors can impact the crop between now and harvest time. It is compounded by the expected increase in the number of young trees coming online this year. “Giving …
Yellow-Legged Hornet a Threat to Agriculture
By Clint Thompson The presence of the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia has specialty crop producers in the Southeast on high alert. Their presence is a threat to the region’s honey bee population and subsequent crops that rely on honey bees for pollination, explains Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “Similar to what people were calling the murder …
Interim Senior Vice President: UF/IFAS Vision is to Become Silicon Valley of Agriculture
By Clint Thompson A legislative success story this year for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will help pave the way for the future of agriculture. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, discussed the financial backing that was provided to support the new artificial intelligence (AI) center at the Gulf Coast Research and …
$40 Million Fund Will Support South Carolina Agribusinesses, Expand Opportunities for Farmers
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the Growing Agribusiness Fund, a new incentive program for South Carolina agribusinesses. The South Carolina General Assembly appropriated $40 million to launch the initiative, which will help existing South Carolina businesses engaged in the processing, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and transportation of agricultural products, in turn providing more …
Deadline for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Nominations Sept. 1
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association reminds its members that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its next class of inductees. Nominations must be received by Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized 173 inductees since 1980. Their contributions have helped advance the industry moving forward. Inductees are chosen from …
Be on the Lookout for New Thrips Pest
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the Citrus …
Sept. 1 Deadline for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Nominations
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association reminds its members that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its next class of inductees. Nominations must be received by Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized 173 inductees since 1980. Their contributions have helped advance the industry moving forward. Inductees are chosen from …
Ingredients in Place for Quick Hurricane Development
By Clint Thompson It is peak hurricane season, so specialty crop growers will be closely eyeing the weather forecasts with fall production season currently underway across the Southeast. While the remnants of Hurricane Hilary continue to impact California this week, all is currently quiet for the Southeast. But that could change in an instant, especially since three tropical storms popped …
Soil Sampling Timing Critical in Nematode Management
By Clint Thompson Soil sampling can be an integral part of a farmer’s planning for nematode management for the upcoming season. But growers should know when is the proper time to conduct soil samples. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …
Aug. 24 Marks Citrus Packinghouse Day
Topics of interest to Florida’s fresh citrus industry will be addressed at Citrus Packinghouse Day on Aug. 24 in Lake Alfred. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. The free event in Ben Hill Griffin Hall will include an educational program, exhibitors and networking opportunities. …