Recent rainfall across the Southeast was just what the doctor ordered to help alleviate some of the region’s dry conditions. It has helped do so in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, though parts of the region remain either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia remains the state with the worst dry conditions. Much of the …
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
A changing landscape in agriculture calls for policy reform. By Zhengfei Guan and Kuan-Ming Huang The United States has been the largest agricultural exporter in the world and has had surplus in agricultural trade for decades. In 2019, however, the United States saw a deficit (-$1.3 billion) for the first time in over half a century since data were available. …
H-2A Program: What Else is There?
By Clint Thompson With all of the expensive headaches that accompany the H-2A program, it still provides growers with a much-needed workforce they aren’t going to find anywhere else. “I think at this particular juncture, people see it as the only game in town. No other viable option has presented itself,” said Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation …
Gas, Diesel Costs Drop, Still Elevated
Gas and diesel prices remain inflated when compared to last year but have shown signs of decreasing in recent weeks. According to AAA Gas Prices, diesel costs averaged $5.62 on July 12, a decrease of 10 cents compared to the prior week, and down 9 cents compared to a month ago. But the expense is still extremely high compared to …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
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 Zack Snipes reports, “The recent rains have yet again made fields sloppy and hard to harvest. Most of our tomato crop is about finished as are zucchini and cukes. We have had an unusually high amount …
Opinion: It Is Time to Defend Domestic Specialty Crops
By Frank Giles As the heat of summer sets in, many specialty crops have finished their seasons in the Southeast. While most crops saw good production this season, markets were again impacted by foreign competition, especially from Mexico. Surging prices for key inputs like fertilizer didn’t help the situation. Even in specialty crops where volume was down due to weather, …
Hot and Dry Weather: Spider Mites Thriving
By Clint Thompson Hot and dry weather conditions in the Southeast this summer are ideal for spider mites. Unfortunately, they have appeared in multiple crops, according to University of Georgia (UGA) Extension specialists. “The dry weather and heat is bad for (San Jose) scale but it is fantastic for mites. I’ve seen more mites in peaches than I probably have …
Citrus Crop Looks ‘Very Promising’
The sweltering heat being felt across the Southeast has done little to dampen the optimism shared by one citrus grower who believes this year’s crop is “very promising.” Kim Jones, who owns a citrus packing facility in Monticello, Florida, and is part-owner of a similar facility in Tifton, Georgia, discusses the state of this year’s crop in North Florida and South Georgia. …
Drying Up: Southeast Continues to Suffer Through Lingering Drought
The lingering drought in the Southeast has not let up in previous weeks. In fact, it’s only worsened, especially in Georgia and Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions have worsened to moderately dry and, in some instances, severely dry conditions in areas across Georgia. The entire state is at least abnormally dry. Most areas, especially in …
Current Labor Market Crisis Provides Spotlight on Problem in Agriculture
By Clint Thompson The current labor crisis sweeping through the United States provides another spotlight on the problem in the agricultural industry. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), discusses the issue. “I think what’s likely to cause more action is maybe the fact that it’s not just Ag that’s having trouble with wage growth right now. When …