The University of Georgia (UGA) Pesticide Safety Program is now offering updated private pesticide applicator training in both English and Spanish. Applicators seeking a private pesticide license can now complete the training in their preferred language. This updated training is part of UGA’s continued support for all producers and agriculture professionals, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of …
Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Fields
By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry growers’ first line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis is to plant clean plants. For those producers that have the disease in their fields, there are management options available, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Depending on the amount of infection you have, if it’s a relatively low level, you can …
Protect Citrus Trees Post-Freeze With Fungicide
By Clint Thompson Growers in the cold-hardy citrus region should consider a fungicide application following snow last week and multiple days of running irrigation for freeze irrigation. That advice comes from Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, on the heels of historic snowfall recorded across the Southeast. “I’ve heard some people having up to 10 inches of …
Commissioner Simpson Launches Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Winter Storm
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by the recent winter storm can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can use loans to restore, repair or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, …
Sneak Peek: February 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The cover story of the February issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on Georgia specialty crop producer Justin Corbett. He highlights what has made the Corbett Brothers Farms so successful in Lake Park, Georgia. Corbett Brothers continues to thrive in an agricultural era dominated by increased input costs and seasonal imports. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) remains a …
Georgia’s 2024 Net Farm Income Down 42%
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s net farm income is likely to decrease 42% compared to 2023. That was the underlying message shared by Gopinath (Gopi) Munisamy, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Marketing at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, during UGA’s recent Ag Forecast event. Hurricane Helene’s lingering impact on the state remains significant with the spring …
UGA Climatologist: Winter Storm Generational Event in Southeast
By Clint Thompson The cold temperatures and historic snowfall recorded throughout the Southeast last week was a generational event, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Clearly, we don’t get these every day and it’s probably a good thing. Some of the locations set daily records for snowfall, so for them it was unusual,” Knox said. …
UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program Has Widespread Impact
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry breeding remains an integral part of production, not only in the state, but in the country as well. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz emphasizes the impact his program has had on varieties being produced across the country. “In the case of Florida, I believe we have …
Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet Tickets on Sale
Tickets are on sale for the 45th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor four inductees who contributed to the success and sustainability of Florida agriculture. This year’s inductees include Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger and Jim Strickland. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders …
What’s the Latest? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
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 Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott