The newly implemented Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will negatively impact specialty crop producers across the U.S. That’s the belief shared by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). “We are disappointed in DOL’s (Department of Labor) final rule on the AEWR methodology,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “This administration says it wants to help family farms, but its agency largely …
USDA Providing Financial Assistance for Struggling Farmers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that beginning in April it will provide approximately $123 million in additional financial assistance for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial risk. This is a part of the $3.1 billion designated to help farm loan members that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This …
Sen. Ossoff: Georgia Farmers Need Results
By Clint Thompson U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) is ensuring Georgia’s specialty crop producers have a voice in the ongoing Farm Bill discussions. Ossoff has been in Georgia this week, meeting with farmers and industry leaders, discussing their needs and what must be included in this year’s Farm Bill. He discussed the meetings he has had with growers in the …
Possible Early-Market Access Encourages Earlier Planting for North Florida Melon Farmers
By Clint Thompson The early-market watermelon window in May prompted North Florida producers to begin planting their crop earlier this season. Some were even finished planting by the first couple of days of March, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I would say that over …
Potential Early-Market Access Prompts North Florida Melon Farmers to Plant Earlier
By Clint Thompson The early-market watermelon window in May prompted North Florida producers to begin planting their crop earlier this season. Some were even finished planting by the first couple of days of March, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I would say that …
UV Light May Help Farmers Vanquish Deadly Cantaloupe Pathogen
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists want to help Florida farmers and U.S. producers grow a cantaloupe to satisfy consumers’ tastes and one that’s protected against powdery mildew disease. Even with fungicides, producers struggle to control powdery mildew, a disease that can damage or kill the fruit. Thanks to UF/IFAS research, growers may now implement …
Irrigation Tips for Florida Farmers
By Ajia Paolillo As the season moves from winter to spring, the irrigation requirements of citrus trees change. Typically, February through May is the drier time of year in Florida with low rainfall amounts in most areas. However, during this period, the trees are actively producing leaves and flowers, setting fruit, and pumping resources to the growing fruit during cell …
GFVGA Leader Encourages Farmers During Challenging Era
By Clint Thompson Many factors impact specialty crop production that are beyond a farmer’s control. Weather, input costs, unfair trade; all contribute to a challenging era for producers in the Southeast. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the significance of producers operating at maximum efficiency during the Southeast Regional Fruit and …
Additional Acres Help Georgia Pecan Farmers Produce ‘Good’ Crop
By Clint Thompson The pecan harvest season is mostly in the books for Georgia producers. While market prices did not cooperate for the growers, production was good, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. He said additional acreage coming into production offset some of the missed projections by producers at the beginning of the season. “It wasn’t …
Farm Bill’s Importance for Specialty Crop Farmers
By Clint Thompson The year 2023 will be the year of the Farm Bill for farmers across the U.S. The piece of legislation that is renewed every five years will be vital to producers in all areas of agriculture. It will be especially important for Southeast specialty crop producers, says Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist. “Specialty crops within the Farm …