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Drought is expanding and worsening across the Southeast, especially in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of Alabama is suffering from dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. The driest part of the state is located in the northwest part of the state. Severe conditions are located …
The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts watermelons under the spotlight. Melon 1 is the largest U.S. watermelon grower, packer and shipper in the United States. Founded in 1997, Melon 1 has expanded and provides its customers with a year-round supply of watermelons. Rachel Syngo, new business development manager for Melon 1, highlights what separates Melon 1, which …
By Clint Thompson It is dry in Alabama. Not just in one area, either. It is prevalent throughout most of the state. Just ask Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in southeast Alabama. “We were fortunate early in the year, had been getting good rainfall. It’s really gotten drier now. We’ve been probably 20-plus days in a lot of places, …
RALEIGH – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced that nine research projects, focusing on helping specialty crop growers, were awarded more than $1.16 million in specialty crop block grant funding. “Specialty crops offer great opportunities for North Carolina farmers and these projects have the potential to lead to better production recommendations for farmers and ultimately increased production,” Troxler …
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are harvesting their first crop of potentially disease-resistant wine grapes in Florida. The first crop at UF/IFAS’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, of Pierce’s disease-resistant grapes showed no signs of disease. The grape variety was developed by the University of California Davis, and …
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 Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
By Clint Thompson Scab disease was high this summer for Georgia pecan producers. Additional rainfall in July contributed to the increased pressure affecting the state’s crop, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. He also said growers have managed the disease effectively and need to continue towards the end of this production season. “We’ve had a lot …
Registration is ongoing for the 2024 Florida Tomato Conference, slated for Thursday, Sept. 5, at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. The cost is free for employees of Florida tomato farmers, packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. Late …
By Clint Thompson A disease that first impacted Florida strawberry fields in the 2018-2019 season is already causing trouble for next year’s crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is cautioning growers about the high potential risk for Neopestalotiopsis with plants originating from Prince Edward Island. “As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are …
RALEIGH – North Carolina’s (N.C.) organic growers can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers, who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be reimbursed …
