Average gas diesel prices continue to drop across the U.S., which is good news for Southeast specialty crop producers hoping to see a decline in input expenses. According to AAA, Monday’s average for regular non-leaded was $4.35 per gallon, a decrease from last week’s $4.52 and last month’s $4.90. It is still much higher, though, than the $3.15 cost from …
UGA Griffin Campus to Host Turfgrass Field Day
The University of Georgia (UGA) Griffin Campus will host its Turfgrass Field Day on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UGA’s Griffin campus. The field day will appeal to golf course superintendents and homeowners looking to produce the perfect lawn. “After four long years we are excited to bring back the UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day,” …
More Rain, Less Drought Across Southeast
The more it rains, the less drought that is being experienced across the Southeast. Dry conditions continue to subside in Florida and Georgia, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. While about half of Georgia is abnormally dry, there are considerably less moderately dry conditions. Those are located in a couple of areas across the state, including around …
Gas, Diesel Prices Drop Across Country
Gas and diesel prices continue to drop across the U.S. but are still substantially higher than this last year. According to AAA, the national average for regular unleaded gasoline on July 20 was $4.46 per gallon, compared to $4.63 a week ago and $4.98 a month ago. But it is still considerably more than the $3.16 consumers paid a year …
How to Manage Early-Season Caterpillars
By Ayanava Majumdar When summer temperatures are soaring and you are hot and sweaty, all caterpillars may look the same. But look carefully inside the crop canopy, especially in fruit-bearing vegetables. Depending on your location, the sequence of insect pests could be different, so have a conversation with your Extension agent about what they are seeing. WHAT TO WATCH FOR …
Rainfall Helps Alleviate Some Drought Across Southeast
Recent rainfall across the Southeast was just what the doctor ordered to help alleviate some of the region’s dry conditions. It has helped do so in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, though parts of the region remain either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia remains the state with the worst dry conditions. Much of the …
Recent Rains Helping North Georgia Peach Crop
By Clint Thompson What were hot and dry weather conditions have turned into sporadic periods of rainfall in North Georgia. That has been positive news for the state’s peach crop, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “You catch an inch of rain on some peaches that …
H-2A Program: What Else is There?
By Clint Thompson With all of the expensive headaches that accompany the H-2A program, it still provides growers with a much-needed workforce they aren’t going to find anywhere else. “I think at this particular juncture, people see it as the only game in town. No other viable option has presented itself,” said Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation …
Georgia Pecan Farmer: Pretty Good Looking Crop
By Clint Thompson Harvests for this year’s pecan crop is just a couple of months away. This year’s crop has exciting potential. But success will once again depend on the market prices that growers are able to receive, says farmer Randy Hudson. “We’ve got a pretty good looking crop. We’ve got some holes, though. Some older trees that had a …
Gas, Diesel Costs Drop, Still Elevated
Gas and diesel prices remain inflated when compared to last year but have shown signs of decreasing in recent weeks. According to AAA Gas Prices, diesel costs averaged $5.62 on July 12, a decrease of 10 cents compared to the prior week, and down 9 cents compared to a month ago. But the expense is still extremely high compared to …