By Clint Thompson Fertility needs are an important concept for pecan growers to understand if they are going to be successful. Different times in the production season require various amounts of specific nutrients. Take nitrogen for example. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said nitrogen requirements are most important right now. “The peak nitrogen absorption by the roots …
Rain, Rain Stay Away: Vidalia Onion Producers Need Dry Weather During Harvest
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests continue across the Southeast Georgia region. Producers are yearning for dry weather over the next several weeks. Not only will a lack of rainfall allow growers to harvest their crop in a timely fashion, it will also decrease the potential for disease development as onions are harvested and placed into cold storage. Cliff Riner, …
Vidalia Onion Producer: We’re Probably About a Week Behind
By Clint Thompson Harvests of early-season varieties of Vidalia onions are lagging behind compared to previous years. That could soon be problematic for growers as the season continues in Southeast Georgia. Jimmy Cowart, who farms 430 acres in Toombs County, highlights the concern he has with certain onions not being fully mature this early in the harvest season. “It’s been …
Pecan’s Water Needs Most Important During Kernel Filling Stage
By Clint Thompson Water management is an essential component of pecan production. Growers need to manage their crop’s water needs throughout the production season, starting now, six months away from harvest season. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discussed irrigation management during the recent UGA Pecan Beginners Class held on March 28 in Perry, Georgia. Farmers …
Be on the Lookout: Thrips Could Be Concerning for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson Thrips populations have spiked in recent weeks. Vidalia onion producers should be wary of these insects and their impact on a crop that is currently being harvested in Southeast Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, highlighted what he has observed in vegetable fields recently with regards to thrips infestations. “In general, over …
USDA Partners to Foster Economic Growth for Small Farming Businesses in Southern States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is partnering with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), to host a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia to provide small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, with the resources and tools they need to grow. “These independent businesses, …
Florida Remains Mostly Severe Dry
Drought conditions continue to worsen in Florida, especially in the central and southern areas of the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the central and southern regions of Florida are in a severe drought, though portions of Lee, Hendry and Collier counties are in an extreme drought. Most of the northeastern and northwestern parts of the state …
Organic Onion Production is a Challenge in the Southeast
By Bhabesh Dutta and Timothy Coolong Organic onion production in diverse weather conditions in the United States is challenging due to numerous biotic and abiotic factors. The challenges are more extreme in states with year-round warm climates which includes Georgia. Although these states grow onions in the spring, mild winter temperatures can increase challenges related to plant pathogens, insect and …
Inflation Could Reset Watermelon Industry
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 …
How New AEWR is Impacting Florida Farmers
The newly implemented Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will negatively impact specialty crop producers across the U.S. That’s the belief shared by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). “We are disappointed in DOL’s (Department of Labor) final rule on the AEWR methodology,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “This administration says it wants to help family farms, but its agency largely …