There is a lot of talk about sustainability and regeneration in agriculture these days. But what do those terms really mean? If you ask five people, you might get five different definitions. But for Josh Mays, Director of Agronomy for TriEst Ag Group, it all starts with profitability. Mays says “We should all be critical of how farming practices impact …
Sweet Corn Marketing Focuses on Cinco de Mayo
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn industry leaders are modifying their marketing efforts to better highlight this year’s crop. “Demand is what it is this time of year. We’ve talked about this before where up north, if it’s cooler up north, demand doesn’t jump up because people aren’t outside as much,” said Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Update
Whitefly infestations are increasing across vegetable fields in central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple scouts reported low but increasing numbers of whiteflies on tomatoes in the central Florida area. Older squash plantings have been hit hard by the insects, as reports indicate moderate to high populations. Younger squash plants have low populations. …
Labor, Trade Highlight FFVA Letter to USDA
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen Florida’s specialty crop industry. The FFVA submitted a letter to the USDA last week, outlining recommendations on how it could better support the state’s specialty crop industry, through the USDA’s Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative. The recommendations stemmed from the current challenges Florida growers …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Keeping Competitive in the Modern Marketplace
By Frank Giles Specialty crop farms across the Southeast have faced myriad challenges over the past few decades, but many farms have embraced new market opportunities and enjoyed growth. One of those operations is L&M. The farm was founded in 1964 by Joe McGee in Johnston County, North Carolina. In the years since its founding, L&M has grown into a …
Battling Black Rot in Brassicas
By Frank Giles Brassica crops have become an important crop in the Southeast. When it comes to disease management, black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) is one of the biggest problems that growers fight. Black rot can affect all major brassica crops, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collards and kale. The disease causes the most damage in the leafy …
UGA Extension Entomologist Provides Update on Thrips Parvispinus
By Clint Thompson Thrips parvispinus (P.) is present in Georgia; just not widespread and in farmers’ fields … yet. “We have seen it. We have not seen it in the fields. We’ve seen it on ornamental plants and in big box stores, at Lowe’s in Tifton and Food Lion. Plants outside they are selling, if you go to pull the …
Fight the Fight: Georgia Agribusiness Council a Strong Supporter for State’s Farmers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers rely on industry supporters like Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, to be a voice at the state and federal levels. It is a responsibility that Bentley does not take lightly. “For us at the Agribusiness Council, we feel like our role is to take that fight to the capitol; whether that’s …
Climate Change Challenges Vegetable Production
By Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez Climate change is increasingly impacting agriculture and our lives in general. Agricultural crop production, including organic vegetable production, faces growing challenges associated with heat and drought. Temperature plays an essential role in plant development and function by determining the rate of biological activities. Each crop has a specific optimal temperature range. Cool-season crops (e.g., lettuce, broccoli, …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Pressure Increasing
Caterpillar pressure is low but increasing across areas in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Low worm activity was reported in central Florida. Worm pressure varies depending on crop and location in southwest Florida. Low to moderate levels of beet armyworms, southern armyworms, fall armyworms, loopers, hornworms, melonworms and fruitworms are being reported, with beet …