By Clint Thompson Whitefly pressure was a non-factor in South Georgia’s fall vegetable crop this year. Hurricane Helene was a big reason why. While the storm brought high winds and excessive rains that devastated multiple agricultural commodities, its one bright spot was its impact on the whitefly populations, says University of Georgia vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks. “The hurricane knocked them …
Stats Don’t Lie: GFVGA Executive Director Explains Need for Assistance with Imports
By Clint Thompson Statistics support claims by industry experts that imports are negatively impacting fresh fruits and vegetables being produced across the Southeast. It’s why Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), has been adamant that legislative help is needed and why the Protecting Our Produce Act would be a good first step for …
High Whitefly Populations Across Southern Florida
High populations of whiteflies are being observed across the southern region of Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High population levels are being reported in some watermelon fields in Southwest Florida. However, scouts indicate low, yet increasing population levels in most crops, with nymphs being reported in some older fields. Whitefly …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Reference-Price Program Aims to Protect Growers
By Frank Giles This fall, specialty crop growers in parts of the Southeast have been rocked by hurricanes that destroyed crops and disrupted operations. Growers have had to learn to live with Mother Nature for as long as farming has been around. Sometimes the weather hurts and sometimes it helps. You must carry on despite her whims. But another factor …
Protecting Our Produce Act to Be Included in Farm Bill Discussions
By Clint Thompson The plan to implement the Protecting Our Produce Act is for Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02) to include it in the next farm bill. When that bill gets passed remains a point of contention for legislative leaders, with the elections this week. Ossoff and Bishop voiced their concerns over the looming farm bill, which …
Farmer Following Two Hurricanes: It’s A Lot to Take
By Clint Thompson One major hurricane is enough to devastate a farming operation. How about two in less than a two-week span? It’s enough to rattle any specialty crop producer. L&M Family Farms has farming operations throughout Florida and one in Georgia. It was hit hard by Hurricane Helene when it moved through North Florida and South Georgia on Sept. …
Sneak Peek: November 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton on specialty crop production in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The two storms, separated by less than two weeks, devastated fruit and vegetable crops in Southeast Georgia, the Carolinas and most of Florida. Helene caused an economic impact of $6.46 billion …
Let Me Explain: Rising Imports Led Georgia Farm to Abandon Blueberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Sen. Jon Ossoff’s visit to J.E.T. Farms in Camilla, Georgia, on Friday allowed Karla Thompson to show her senator the impact that imports left on her company’s blueberry crop. The impact was staggering; 13.5 acres of product not harvested this past season because it was not financially feasible to do so. “Today was really important for us …
Leveling the Playing Field: Ossoff, Bishop Offer Protecting Our Produce Act
By Clint Thompson The Protecting Our Produce Act will help Southeast specialty crop producers impacted by imports from South America. That’s the message shared by Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) with Georgia growers on Friday in Camilla, Georgia. Each will introduce the bill in the Senate and the House. The bicameral bill would establish a …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Region
Whitefly infestations vary among vegetable fields in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouting reports show low populations of whitefly adults on tomatoes in central Florida. Low to moderate populations are reported in cucumber, and moderate populations are observed in early fall melons. In Southwest Florida, the recent rainfall has helped to lower whitefly populations. …