The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)-Agricultural Chemical Use Survey collected date about pesticide and fertilizer use from vegetable producers in 2022. NASS administered the survey among growers in 17 states, and three vegetables were highlighted. These include snap beans, squash and sweet corn. Nitrogen was the most widely used nutrient for all the three featured crops, …
Incorporating Grilled Vegetables in July 4 Cookouts
This July 4 should not just be about grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Vegetables can work just fine on the outdoor grill, says Sandy Proctor, Extension food expert with Kansas State University. She discussed the idea of cooking fresh veggies this holiday season. “I think grilled vegetables are really an opportunity to show what you can do on the grill …
Grilled Vegetables: Another Option for July 4 Cookouts
This July 4 should not just be about grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Vegetables can work just fine on the outdoor grill, says Sandy Proctor, Extension food expert with Kansas State University. She discussed the idea of cooking fresh veggies this holiday season. “I think grilled vegetables are really an opportunity to show what you can do on the grill …
Beware of Spike in Vegetable Diseases Following Recent Storms
By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …
USDA Report: Fresh Vegetable Imports Up in 2022
It should come as no surprise to specialty crop producers in the Southeast, but fresh vegetable import volume was up in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report. The U.S. remained a net importer of fresh market vegetables in volume and value in calendar year 2022. Some of the trade highlights for …
Florida Vegetable Producer: Importing 60% of Produce is Scary
By Clint Thompson Communication remains the key tool in the toolbox that growers and specialty crop industry leaders need to utilize in convincing consumers to support locally grown produce. It is a strategic tactic that is being under-utilized according to Chuck Obern with C&B Farms, located south of Clewiston, Florida. “The real issue all of us have and I don’t …
Looming Problem: Whiteflies a Potential Concern for Fall Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producers already thinking about their crop for next fall should be ready to combat whiteflies, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. Da Silva focused on whitefly management during a recent webinar. He believes the environmental conditions will be conducive for populations to be high this summer. “We are probably going to have a …
Robotic Harvesters Could Be Challenge in Vegetable Production
By Clint Thompson Precision Ag innovations are needed for specialty crop producers to remain sustainable now and into the future. The only problem with that reality may be vegetable’s sensitivity. A robotic harvester may not be feasible for some of those crops because they could get damaged during harvest, believes Jessica Kirk, director of food safety and marketing at Lewis …
Vegetable Farmer: SB 1718 is Going to be Very Impactful in South Florida
By Clint Thompson As if finding an adequate labor force wasn’t hard enough for specialty crop producers in Florida, it will likely become even more challenging starting July 1. When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1718, it marked a significant crackdown on illegal immigration in the state. But it could also devastate many of the state’s farming operations in …
Pepper Weevil Update in South Florida Vegetable Crops
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …