By Clint Thompson The current agricultural landscape has one South Georgia watermelon producer in survival mode. Instead of looking ahead five to 10 years down the road, Crisp County’s Greg Leger is taking it one season at a time. “How long can we sustain what’s happening right now? They’re not challenges that we haven’t faced in agriculture before. But we …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “The area has had another warm week with excellent crop development. Strawberry crops are loading up with good volumes coming to harvest. Remember to scout fields and pay close …
Providing Easier Access to Big Data
By Denise Attaway The humble huckleberry may never rival the soybean in the number of acres planted, but there’s no reason it and other specialty crops can’t have the same technological benefits as row crops do — such as big data. The competitiveness and sustainability of the $36 billion specialty crop industry in the United States is threatened by declining …
UF Blueberry Specialist: Growers Cautiously Optimistic This Harvest Season
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are well under way across Florida. After a year that’s seen producers challenged with multiple weather events, like Hurricane Ian last September, Hurricane Nicole last November and multiple days of cold temperatures during Christmas week, growers are optimistic about this year’s crop. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida (UF) …
UF/IFAS Receiving Favorable Comments with Blueberry Growers Guide App
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Growers Guide phone app has drawn rave reviews from the people who need it the most – Florida’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed the app, which started a couple of years ago. “I …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Sarah Scott reports, “Temperatures dropped below freezing along the Ridge two mornings last week. We’ve been checking peaches over the past few days to assess the damage. Right now, it seems a lot …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Justin Ballew reports, “Well, we knew a “late” cold spell was likely to happen at some point. Growers will need to take some steps to prepare for the cold over the next few …
Current Dry Period Benefiting Florida’s Blueberry Quality
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period affecting the majority of Florida is impacting fruit quality in the state’s blueberry crop. Most of the state is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That has had a positive effect on blueberries, which are beginning to be harvested in certain areas across Florida, said Ryan Atwood, who …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Fruit crops are all developing well with good fruit set and flowering. Strawberry crops are beginning to ripen, heralding a fresh taste of spring. Pests and disease remain low, …
Blueberry Producers Hoping to Dodge Late-Season Freeze Event
By Clint Thompson Late spring freeze events have become predictable across the Southeast. Unfortunately, that has not been good news for the region’s blueberry producers. Blueberries are susceptible to sub-freezing temperatures this time of year. They are starting to bear fruit and are on the cusp of another harvest season. The danger has intensified in recent years as bushes bloom …