By Clint Thompson Increased applications of copper during the second half of the production season can help Vidalia onion producers combat center rot disease more efficiently. Chris Tyson, UGA Extension area onion agent, conducted research on the practice which led to improved yields. “We figured a grower in the second half of the season may spray on average three to …
Late-Season Freeze Event Still Not Out of Question
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should not be fooled into thinking freeze events are in the past. If history is any indication, another severe cold snap is likely in our future. “Remember last year, March was really warm and February was warm, and then we had frost in April in some locations. You just never know,” said Pam Knox, …
Mind Your Melon: Farm Family Launches Mental Health Movement
By Frank Giles Farming comes with a set of unique challenges that few other professions have. Among them are many uncontrollable factors that can mean the difference between a profitable year or a loss. Weather, pests and diseases, markets and finding labor are just a few of those stressors. The conversation around stress and mental health has become more pronounced …
SCFBA Investigates Unfair Trade Within Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson A contentious issue at the heart of specialty crop farmers in Georgia and Florida is one of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA)’s main core principles for the 2023 Farm Bill. It focuses on trade and foreign competition which has frustrated fruit and vegetable growers for decades. Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of …
AFVGA Annual Conference Concludes Today
By Clint Thompson Conferences like this week are needed for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) to grow and increase its stature in the Southeast. Not only does it allow university specialists from across the region to provide intel on various fruits and vegetables, it also brings producers together. They can share what is working on their farm …
Labor Still Costly Expense for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson The latest Vidalia onion budget prepared by University of Georgia Extension specialists estimates farmers invest more than $7,000 in input costs. That puts the break-even price at $15 per box for producers. Fortunately, market prices have been strong in recent years. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research …
SCFBA’s Recommendations for Farm Bill Highlight Unfair Trade
By Clint Thompson A contentious issue at the heart of specialty crop farmers in Georgia and Florida is one of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA)’s main core principles for the 2023 Farm Bill. It focuses on trade and foreign competition which has frustrated fruit and vegetable growers for decades. Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and …
Scala Fungicide No Longer Viable Option on Botrytis for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers should be wary that Scala fungicide appears to not be effective anymore on botrytis, an important disease that growers contend with every season. That also has an indirect impact on Luna Tranquility’s impact since it partially contains Scala. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist, discussed the disease and options available for …
UGA Specialist Provides Blueberry Harvest Tips
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvest season is just around the corner for Southeast producers. Proper harvest and handling practices can make the difference in growers producing the best fruit quality. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, provided reminders for farmers during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The main tip is to handle …
Nutsedge Control Requires Year-Round Management
By Clint Thompson One of the main weed threats to vegetable production requires a year-round management strategy, not just when the crop is in season. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the nutsedge management during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Nutsedge is always a problem in vegetable production. It’s such …