By Clint Thompson Alabama sweet corn producers should be mindful that corn earworm populations are spiking and pose a threat to their crop. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, talked about the insect and described what growers are seeing this year. “It was hit or miss depending on if you got hit with some of those major …
S.C. Farmers, Food Processors Seeking Organic Certification May Qualify for Grant Funding
COLUMBIA – South Carolina farmers and food processors who want to pursue organic certification may qualify for reimbursement through a grant administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency. For some producers, organic certification can help reach new customers and align with existing ones. “This funding enabled …
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to Host Watermelon Day on Aug. 11
CHARLOTTE – You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes. They can also enjoy scavenger hunts, take their …
Senators Warnock, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Support Georgia Specialty Crop Farmers by Strengthening the Federal Safety Net
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, which would reform the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), a critical farm safety net program. The legislation would expand eligibility for TAP by lowering the mortality threshold and allowing farmers to use TAP funding to replant alternative breeds of trees or bushes. In a June Agriculture committee hearing, …
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market to host Watermelon Day June 21
You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day on Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes, plus they can enjoy scavenger hunts, …
Central Florida Event to Help Farmers Navigate Regulations
Farms are businesses, and producers have the double challenge of following a host of complex rules and regulations while also trying to turn a profit. That’s why the University of Florida is hosting the inaugural Growing Together: Central Florida Partners for Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of …
Florida Strawberry Update: Hillsborough County Land Running Low for Farmers
By Clint Thompson Hillsborough County, Florida’s winter strawberry capital of the United States, could soon be in danger. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, believes the influx of people moving into the area means there is less and less land to use for agriculture. That will slowly impact the county’s production of strawberries over time. …
North Carolina State Farmers Market to Host Peach Day July 13
RALEIGH – The popular Peach Dessert Contest is making its return to the lineup of the North Carolina (N.C.) State Farmers Market Peach Day festivities Thursday, July 13. With N.C. peaches in season, it’s a great time for home cooks to feature the juicy fruit in sweet and savory dishes any time of day. All ages and skill levels are …
Phytophthora a Concern for Georgia Melon Farmers
By Clint Thompson South Georgia watermelon producers should be wary of an uptick in disease pressure following heavy rainfall in recent weeks. University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta highlights the two diseases that has his attention and should be the focus of growers moving forward. “Our growers have already been alerted about downy mildew, phytophthora,” Dutta said. …
FFVA Supports Farmers First Act of 2023
By Clint Thompson Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chairman David Hill is expressing support of the Farmers First Act of 2023. He penned a letter to U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) in support of the proposed bipartisan legislation that addresses the mental health crisis in rural America and expands access to mental health support and …