Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Endangered Species Act Compliance for Herbicide Application

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Brett Bultemeier EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of two articles on pesticide label changes related to the Endangered Species Act. Many growers have probably heard rumblings about various strategies, pesticide use limitation areas, endangered species and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While there have been lots of updates and much information swirling around, there is …

FFVA Issues Letter Concerning H-2A Program

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is calling for the repeal of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology Rule and the H-2A Worker Protection Rule; action that would impact the current labor crisis, including in Georgia and Alabama. The FFVA submitted a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The repeal is necessary since both …

Drought Monitor Update: Heavy Rains Alleviate Dry Conditions in Georgia, Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Recent rainfall has provided much-needed moisture for parts of the Southeast, and it is reflected in the May 15 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia mostly has sufficient moisture except for a couple of areas that have abnormally dry conditions. One area includes Colquitt, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes, Echols, Clinch, Lanier, Atkinson and Ware counties in South Georgia; as …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Chlorpyrifos Ban to Begin

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos are reminded that the insecticide can only be applied to food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. Grower Guidance University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be …

Alabama Farm Poll Coming to Mailbox Near You

Clint ThompsonAlabama

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers should be on the lookout for a poll, administered by the Alabama Extension and Auburn University researchers, and will provide lawmakers with agricultural data from the state’s producers. The poll is expected to arrive via the U.S. Postal Service. Kelli Russell, an Alabama Extension assistant professor in agricultural economics and rural sociology, said this …

Sen. Ossoff Questions Secretary Rollins About Local Foods for Schools Program Cancellation

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The cancellation of the Local Foods for Schools Program (LFS) left one U.S. Senator asking the Ag Secretary, ‘Why?’ A heated exchange between Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins occurred during the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing on May 6. Ossoff asked why …

Drought Monitor Update: Florida in Need of Rainfall

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The May 8 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions worsening in Florida and expanding in South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Extreme drought is observed in a couple of areas in Florida. One area is centered around Lake, Sumter, Marion, Volusia and Flagler counties. The other is located in the southern area of the state, including Miami-Dade, Monroe, …

Florida Blueberry

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Up Front

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Make Estate Planning a Top Priority Sometimes when writing this column, I will scan the internet looking for topics that could be relevant for this page. Doing just that for this month’s issue, I came across a headline that had eye-catching power. It was a write-up from American Farm Bureau Federation Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub titled “Estate …

Commissioner Simpson Applauds Legislature for Passing Historic Florida Farm Bill

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), the most comprehensive agriculture-focused legislation in the state’s history. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Danny Alvarez, the legislation was passed with strong support from both chambers, delivering sweeping reforms that protect farmland from development, invest in agricultural …