By Abolfazl Hajihassani and Chinaza Nnamdi The majority of vegetable production in Georgia is located in multiple counties in the southern region of the state. Vegetables are grown year-round on both raised beds covered with polyethylene plastic mulch and on bare ground. Using a comprehensive survey conducted in 2018, we have documented that root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are the No. …
Watermelon Market Continues to Produce Sweet Results for Farmers
The watermelon market continues to be a sweet success for producers in the Southeast. One South Georgia watermelon farmer attests to the strong season he and his colleagues have had this year. Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms, said on July 10 that he is had an “excellent year” with his watermelon crop. “Prices dropped a little bit after …
Watermelon Shortage? One Farmer Thinks So
By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers continue to enjoy high prices, though, there may soon be a shortage. Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida and Alabama and chairman of the board of the Florida Watermelon Association, said there may soon be a shortage as producers in the Southeast region finish harvesting their crop, while the northern states are still not …
Ant Swarms Continue to be Problematic for Hemp Producers
By Clint Thompson Ant damage on young hemp plants remains a problem for growers in the Southeast. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, fears ants will continue to be a nuisance since hemp plantings will continue through July. “I think it’s going to be a struggle all season long because there’s so many different plantings going in. …
Sweet Market for Melon Farmers
By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices are holding strong for Southeast farmers, according to one South Georgia producer. Terrell Rutland believes extenuating circumstances could help extend the strong market, currently at 20 cents per pound, for growers an extra few weeks. “Anything north got frost bit about the first of May. Florida is through so that kind of puts us in …
Frost and Freeze Protection for Vegetable Crops
Written By Chris Gunter, N.C. State Extension Vegetable Production Specialist Weather predictions for this weekend include clear skies with minimal or calm winds, which are conducive to cold temperatures and could lead to freeze or frost conditions in North Carolina. On Sunday morning, May 10, low temperatures are predicted to drop into the 30s with some temperatures possibly below freezing …
Florida Blueberry Farmer: I’m a Fan of Having Our Own Domestic Supply of Food
By Clint Thompson Blueberry prices have not improved much, and Mexican imports may be a reason why, says Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “I don’t think (prices have) move the needle much. Part of it is this Mexico deal. Mexico brought another 5 million pounds in last week. Mexico just keeps putting more and more fruit on our window, even Georgia’s …
N.C. State Specialist: Bumper Crop in Strawberries This Year
By Clint Thompson The country’s No. 3 state in strawberry production is expecting a “bumper crop” this year, according to Mark Hoffmann, North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist. “If the weather holds up, it’s going to be one of the best strawberry years in a long time,” Hoffmann said. “It’s a bumper crop right now.” Hoffmann made the comments …
Coronavirus Concerns Impacting U.S. Agriculture
By Ashley Robinson U.S. agriculture has always had a great responsibility on its shoulders — to keep food on the tables of consumers despite the challenges that come its way. However, the situations facing production agriculture now in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers. “There is a lot of anxiety and concern …
Hemp Diseases in Florida
By Nicholas Dufault Diseases will be a major concern for Florida’s hemp production systems as they can limit profitable production of the plants. There are more than 40 known hemp diseases listed on the American Phytopathological Society’s educational resources page. These diseases are caused by viruses, fungi and bacteria. Some southeastern states, such as Kentucky and North Carolina, that produce …