The future of the American farmer is bleak. Farmers themselves are hinting that the end is near for their career in the field, amid increasing costs, decreasing prices and steady imports from Mexico. One significant help would come in reform to the current H-2A guestworker program, according to Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation. …
What to Grow? Tomato Variety Selection Important Decision for Producers
The most important decision farmers can make when growing tomatoes in Alabama is variety selection. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, insists that growers understand what varieties grow well in Alabama before they plant this spring. “Easily the most important decision you can make is picking which varieties to grow. You can buy local transplants. It’s always great when you …
Flash Drought: Potentially Devastating to Crops
Parts of the Southeast have experienced excessive rainfall this year. But periods of prolonged dry spells could be just around the corner and be detrimental to the growth of vegetables and specialty crops. What is really concerning to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, are those flash droughts. She spoke about the impact flash droughts can have on …
Soil Sampling: Management Practice Key for Upcoming Season
One of the most overlooked management practices for vegetable and specialty crop producers is also one of the most essential this time of year. Soil sampling can save producers money by providing valuable information about the nutrient content in their soils. It is a more efficient means of preparing for the upcoming season instead of just guessing, said Joe Kemble, …
Plastic Makes Perfect: Vegetable System Producers More, Cleaner Fruit
Planting season is nearing for Alabama vegetable producers. One system that all farmers need to consider is plasticulture. Plastic mulches can lead to cleaner fruit with much more yields. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, discussed the benefits of producing tomatoes in a plasticulture system during a webinar on Tuesday. It starts with yields. “Using these plastic mulches just by …
Sweet Success: Syngenta Watermelon Excursion Excels in Diverse Climates
Watermelon research remains a key focus for scientists at Syngenta. Watermelon varieties need to withstand any type of diverse climate, especially for growers in Florida, Georgia, Indiana and California. Rebecca Wente-Naylor, breeding trial specialist at Syngenta, discussed the challenges of finding new varieties amid climate change during an American Seed Trade Association webinar. “With climate change, we’re already seeing a …
Knowing Nitrogen: How Much Should Pecan Producers Apply?
One of University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells’ points of emphasis this winter has been the need for growers to cut costs, not corners amid low prices. One way to do that is by considering how much nitrogen is needed and in what form. Wells provides insight for growers who need to save money every chance they …
$15 Minimum Wage? Potential Increase Would Impact Southeast Producers
The Biden Administration’s push for a $15 minimum wage would have significant ramifications for farmers who utilize the H-2A program. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau, discusses the financial impact a higher minimum wage would have on Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. “The H-2A program stipulates you have to pay the highest wage of (either) the state minimum …
Wage Increase: H-2A Workers Receiving Bump in Hourly Rate
Southeast producers who utilize the H-2A program finally know what the minimum wage is they must pay in 2021. The USDA Farm Labor Survey revealed that wage rates for H-2A labor are increasing at an average rate of 4.5% or $0.63 per hour across the country. For the Southeast, though, those levels are much lower. Florida’s wages will increase by …
Preparing for Success: Blueberry Site Preparation Takes Time
Preparations need to be done well in advance for producers interested in producing blueberry plants, said Elina Coneva, an Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University, during a webinar on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page. “For those who are considering becoming blueberry growers, I would let you know that you need start preparation for your blueberry …