By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia means specialty crop producers should be increasing their fungicide applications. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, cautions growers about the disease potential in areas of increased moisture. “It’s the same ol’ thing where drought for most vegetable growers, drought isn’t really that bad of …
Out of Business: Gloomy Future for Florida Blueberry Farmers
By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent lack of success in profiting from its blueberry crop has prompted some farmers to leave the business altogether. “I already know of three farms for sale. I think you’re going to see a couple of people go out of business,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, …
FFVA Applauds Proposed House Bill Addressing Immigration Reform
A new bill introduced last week by members of the U.S. House of Representatives addresses ag labor reform that will impact specialty crop producers in the Southeast. U.S. Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Salazar (R-FL) introduced the Dignity Act, a bipartisan immigration reform bill that aims to fix the immigration system. It will secure the border, mandate E-Verify nationwide …
Sneak Peek: June 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts the spotlight on Lipman Family Farms which is celebrating 75 years. It prioritizes people, which includes its large workforce and the desires of consumers it serves. The company has navigated through various economic challenges, which includes rising input costs, especially labor. Elyse Lipman, chief executive officer of Lipman Family Farms, discusses …
Protect Your Groves From Citrus Leafminer
Healthy citrus fruit in FL. The citrus leafminer is a small, hard-to-detect pest that hides during the day and comes out at night to lay its eggs. Though this pest is small, it’s been known to cause severe damage to FL citrus crops. Having a broad-spectrum insecticide at your fingertips could go a long way in protecting your crops. While …
Urgent: Powdery Mildew Found on Watermelon in South Carolina
Powdery mildew was found on three cultivars of seedless watermelon at the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (REC) on Tuesday, May 23, according to Tony Keinath, a former Clemson plant pathologist, in The South Carolina Grower. All watermelon crops in South Carolina should be scouted for powdery mildew. If the disease is observed, producers should spray to prevent powdery mildew, …
Supreme Court Ruling on WOTUS
By Frank Giles In a ruling on May 25, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on a case that will limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction in enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case also influences the agency’s definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). In the case, Sackett v. EPA, the court ruled in …
Supreme Court Ruling Limits WOTUS
By Frank Giles In a ruling on May 25, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on a case that will limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction in enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case also influences the agency’s definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). In the case, Sackett v. EPA, the court ruled in …
Maintaining a Healthy Citrus Nursery Segment
By Peter Chaires The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) supports Florida’s citrus nursery segment in myriad ways, not the least of which is a thorough and proven nursery inspection program. The FDACS Commercial Citrus Nursery Inspection Program is responsible for ensuring that all Florida commercial citrus nursery stock is inspected, produced appropriately, maintained free from disease and …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies in South Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts report low to moderate infestation levels of beet armyworms and loopers in the Southwest Florida region. Scouts have also indicated a high level of corn earworm egg hatch outs in some fields. An increase of beet armyworm pressure was reported on …