By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry period sweeping across the Southeast benefited tomato producers in the North Florida/South Georgia region. Growers welcomed the dry conditions that helped save the crop from bacterial spot disease. Josh Freeman, an agronomist and regional manager with TriEst Ag Group, discussed the impact that minimal rainfall had on tomato production. “Everything started off really bad. …
South Georgia Producer: I’m Okay with the Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers prefer the current dry weather conditions when producing their crops. They want to apply the water needed which helps avert the buildup of disease pressure. It is especially true during the fall season says South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. “I grow vegetables, so I’m okay with the dry weather. We get to put …
Increased Rainfall Problematic for South Georgia’s Fall Crops
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers prefer dry conditions so they can be the ones applying water and not worry about disease pressure. They are not getting their wish with their fall crops, however. Increased rainfall across southern Georgia in recent weeks has led to intense disease pressure on fall vegetable crops. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable …
Rains Force Early Finish for South Georgia Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson The extreme heat this summer nearly took its toll on farmer Bill Brim’s specialty crops. The persistent rains the past couple of weeks definitely did. Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, discussed the impact that the saturated conditions had on his specialty crops like pepper and squash. “On pepper it finished us …
Vegetable Disease Update in South Georgia
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable season is in full swing across the South Georgia region. Watermelons, a popular crop produced in the area, are currently being harvested. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, talks about production and the lack of disease pressure growers encountered this year. “There have been some …
Giant Pestiferous Lizards a Threat to Fruits and Vegetables in South Georgia
By Rick Lavender for CAES News Warming temperatures will have tegus on the move in southeast Georgia. Residents and farmers are asked to report sightings of tegus, alive or dead. This is needed to keep the big, South American lizards from gaining a foothold in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These reptiles, the largest …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
South Georgia Farmers Feeling Impact of Rainy, Cloudy Conditions
By Clint Thompson South Georgia rains have been frequent this summer, and it is having an impact on some vegetable operations in the region. “It’s been devastating,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. “We get showers every day. You can’t pick. It just stays wet all the day. (Thursday) was the first sunshine we’ve …
Production Update: High Yields, Low Prices for South Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Crop yields have been high this year at Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. If only market prices could have matched the production experienced in such crops as peppers, cucumbers and squash. “Prices are cheap. Mexico is sending product in here. It’s gotten prices depressed,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms. “Jumbo peppers are …
Drought Update: North Florida, South Georgia Remains Abnormally Dry
According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist across South Georgia and North Florida. As far west as Decatur County, stretching to the coast and as far north as Coffee and Irwin Counties are abnormally dry in Georgia. Counties as far west as Wakulla and Gasden, stretching eastward and as far as south …