By Clint Thompson Good harvest weather contributed to a solid Vidalia onion crop for producers this year. It should set up a steady supply of produce throughout this summer, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “I feel like we’re set up really good for …
Increased Challenges for Vidalia Onion Industry
Like most vegetable and specialty crops, the Vidalia onion industry is not immune to the increased challenges of today. Freight costs have spiked. Booking trucks to ship the product is an added obstacle. Desired pallets are almost non-existent for producers, according to Cliff Riner, crop production manager for G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia. Riner estimates that onion harvests should wrap …
Good Weather Contributes to Successful Vidalia Onion Season
By Clint Thompson A successful Vidalia onion season is nearing an end for producers in Southeast Georgia. Cliff Riner, crop production manager for G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia, said his farm’s production should end between May 15-18, depending on how much rain the region receives this week and slows down harvests. Ironically, the lack of rain has helped producers enjoy …
Quality, Quantity Good for Vidalia Onion Crop
The quality and quantity of this year’s Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop appears to be good, early in the harvest season, says Cliff Riner, crop production manager for G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia. The weather is a big reason why. “So far, very good for our farm. We have had good sizing, and the quality has been real good, partly because …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway
Vidalia onion harvests are underway in Georgia. It has been great harvest conditions for producers in the Southeast Georgia region. G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia is one of the biggest Vidalia onion producers in the area. Pictured are photos from Thursday’s harvest. G&R Farms will continue harvesting through mid-May. April 19 was the pack date this year for Georgia Vidalia …
Vidalia Onion Field Day is April 8
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension will host the Vidalia Onion Field Day this year on Thursday, April 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It will be held outside and conclude at noon. There will be a walking tour of the research plots at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please pre-register for …
Disease Management: Onions Vulnerable Amid Rainfall, High Temperatures
Field conditions are conducive for disease pressure to increase in Vidalia onion fields in Southeast Georgia. That’s why Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, is imploring farmers to stay on top of their fungicide sprays. “Looking around the fields last week, we definitely saw more disease …
Be Prepared: Vidalia Onion Producers Need to be Ready for Downy Mildew Disease
It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Vidalia Onion Crop and Disease Update
The 2021 Vidalia Onion Crop and Disease Update will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17. It will be held virtually this year from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension scientists will provide an update on disease management recommendations to onion producers and industry experts. The speakers include Chris Tyson, area onion agent, and Bhabesh Dutta, UGA …
Organic Vidalia Onion Industry: Challenges in Sour Skin Management
Vidalia onions are famous for their mild-sweet flavor and are a favorite of consumers and chefs across the U.S. Due to this popularity, there is also significant demand for organically-grown Vidalia onions. Soil-borne bacterial diseases like sour skin and slippery skin caused by Burkholderia sp. impact quality and yield of organic onions in Georgia. The pathogens are soil-borne. Current organic …