By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
USDA Survey to Help Forecast 2023 Pecan Crop
Pecan producers in Georgia, Alabama and other producing states will receive a survey in the mail in late September from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from the survey will help forecast pecan production for the upcoming season. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia, and it is …
Hurricane Idalia Aftermath: North Florida Infrastructure Impacted Significantly
By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
Root System Development Should Be Key Focus of Pecan Tree’s Early Years
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers need to avoid “pushing their trees so hard” during the early years. The tops are too large to be supported by their root systems, said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells wrote in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog after assessing the damage from Hurricane Idalia last week. The storm led to …
Southeast Regional Scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for next year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. The event attracts specialty crop growers and industry leaders from Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. Educational sessions focus on various fruit and vegetable commodities, including blueberries, peaches, watermelons …
Hurricane Idalia’s Impact on Specialty Crops
By Maegan Beatty What started as a tropical storm, Hurricane Idalia hit landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Idalia made landfall this past Wednesday morning near Keaton Beach, which is about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee. Idalia left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Florida and Georgia. The storm has had many effects on …
Citrus Escapes Significant Damage form Idalia
The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge. “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …
Early Reports: Citrus Fared Well in Idalia
The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge. “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …
Pecan Producer Loses Some Trees, Talks Season
By Clint Thompson Count pecans as one crop impacted by Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the Southeast. Trees toppled over. Limbs fell to the ground. Nuts were lost. One of those farmers who suffered loss was Jimmy Ross, a Tift County producer in South Georgia. He said a small orchard off Chula-Whiddon Mill Road had multiple trees down following Wednesday’s storm …
Relay Cropping Efficient Way to Produce Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson An innovative way of producing specialty crops provides Florida growers a more efficient, and potentially, a more sustainable way of farming. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic of relay cropping during his presentation at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Relay …