By Clint Thompson Some rainfall is in the forecast for parts of the Southeast. Some is better than none at this point for farmers. As the current drought spreads and intensifies across Alabama, Florida and Georgia, growers are in need of precipitation for their crops. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides an update on what rainfall is …
Extreme Weather Conditions: Georgia’s Vidalia Onions, Blueberries Impacted
By Clint Thompson Two of Georgia’s top specialty crops were impacted significantly by extreme weather events this spring; one positively and one negatively. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, described the impact that the current dry conditions have had on onion harvests and the spring freeze events on the state’s blueberry crop. “The onion harvests this year, of …
Dealing With Different Drought Types
By Pam Knox Dealing with drought is something that all growers need to face from time to time. Drought is a natural part of the climate system, but it can look very different depending on where it occurs. Drought is a lack of enough water for what farmers (and their crops) need. Climatologists define four different kinds of drought, each …
Sneak Peek: May 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights management options available for blueberry farmers in combating anthracnose fruit rot (AFR). Philip Harmon, professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator, discuss the different options available for blueberry farmers. These include minimizing the use of …
Weather Forecast: Return to Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Variable weather conditions this winter should stabilize over the next month. The previous couple of weeks has seen lower temperatures and increased rainfall across the Southeast region. But that is not expected to continue, said Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. “The longer-term patterns that I have looked at look like we’re going to have …
La Niña Effect: February Ends Warmer, Drier
February ended warmer than usual for most of the Southeast region, according to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture blog. This was typical of a La Niña winter. Other than Alabama and areas near mountains, the region was also drier than normal. “The warm and dry conditions this year are contributing to the expansion of dry conditions and …
Warm, Cold Temperatures Expected for Foreseeable Future
By Clint Thompson Unpredictability is a common theme Southeast specialty crop growers are feeling this winter with regards to temperature fluctuations. It was warmer than usual in December. It’s been extremely cold in January. What does the future hold? Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides a forecast for what producers can expect in the foreseeable future. “The …
Georgia Weather: Warmer, Wetter Conditions in 2021
By Pam Knox Georgia experienced its coldest year in 2021 since 2014, with an average temperature of 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F). But the temperature was still well above the long-term average of 63.4 F. It ranked the 20th warmest year since statewide records began in 1895. Lower temperatures than recent years The year started off warmer than normal, with above-average …
How La Niña Could Impact Weather and Crops
By Pam Knox In October 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a La Niña event had begun. It has an 87% chance of continuing through the winter. Since that time, the event has affected weather across the world, including many crop-growing areas of the United States. This article looks at what La Niña is and how …
Blooming Problem: Warmer Temps Leading to Early Blueberry Blooms
By Clint Thompson Warmer temperatures in previous months led to earlier blooms for blueberry plants in the Southeast. That’s not good news for farmers, says Georgia producer Russ Goodman, co-owner of Cogdell Berry Farm in Clinch and Lanier counties. “We’ve got a lot more bloom right now than we would want I can tell you that. It’s not a good …