By Clint Thompson The current coronavirus pandemic has impacted fruit and vegetable farmers across the Southeast. South Carolina producers may be better equipped to deal with the current crisis based off who their normal clientele is. “I think everyone here is looking at Florida and is not liking what we see down there but hoping that our situation is a …
U-Pick Farms Feeling Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic
By Clint Thompson Agribusinesses that offer U-pick farms are not immune to the devastating impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Cassie Young and sister Allie Logan own Backyard Orchards in Eufaula, Alabama. Backyard Orchards has closed the U-pick part of its operation but continues to sell strawberries via social media, mainly Facebook. It also has a store with a commercial …
Crop Insurance Hurricane Endorsement Offered
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced a new crop insurance endorsement, Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI). HIP-WI covers a portion of the deductible of the underlying crop insurance policy when a county, or adjacent county, is within the area of sustained hurricane-force winds. HIP-WI provides coverage for 70 different crops, including all citrus, insured under …
Another Frost Event Likely for Parts of Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The Southeast is not out of the woods for a late frost event, which could be costly for peach producers and blueberry growers in Georgia and Alabama. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension climatologist, said some blueberry farmers are especially concerned since their plants have already started producing a crop. “Because it’s been such a warm …
Sneak Peek: February 2020 VSCNews Magazine
It is no secret that today’s growers are faced with many challenges. The February issue of VSCNews magazine explores how growers can meet some of these challenges. To be successful in farming requires a great deal of flexibility, determination and endurance. Vegetable grower Chuck Obern, owner of C&B Farms, Inc., embodies these traits and is highlighted in this month’s issue. …
Georgia Ag Industry Leaders Recognized
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) recognized several industry leaders during an awards breakfast held at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference on Jan. 11 in Savannah, Georgia. “What we’ve found out over history is we have a lot of folks in our industry that are recognized at other places — national meetings or …
Senator David Perdue on USMCA and Phase One China Trade Deal
By Clint Thompson Georgia Senator David Perdue is optimistic about Wednesday’s phase one trade deal that the United States will sign with China that includes the foreign country increasing its purchasing of US agricultural products by $32 billion over the next two years. “My suggestion all along was to go to an incremental phase approach with China. They wanted to …
Taters No More! This Florida Farm is Now Growing Sweet on Citrus
Tater Farms has worked to diversify its crop mix and is finding new tangerine plantings are progressing well in more northern climes of the Sunshine State.
Start the New Year at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Abbey Taylor Every year, southeastern produce growers kick off the new year at the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC) in Savannah, Georgia. The SERFVC will take place on Jan. 9–12 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Featuring a top-notch trade show and extensive educational sessions, the event is organized by the Georgia Fruit and …
Understanding Disease Through Art
By Madeline Dowling and Guido Schnabel What comes to mind when you think of football season? Is it the excitement of cheering on your favorite team? Good times with family and friends? Incredible food? For many people, football season is a wonderful time of the year. However, amid the excitement, it’s easy to forget how much effort each team invests …