cold-hardy

Blood Oranges Could Benefit Cold-Hardy Growers

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Varieties

Blood oranges are an enticing option to help cold-hardy citrus producers diversify their crop portfolio. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is researching the crop at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. Nothing has deterred him from recommending it to growers in North Florida, South Georgia …

Land Rotation Key for Strawberry Growers to Overcome Neo

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease continues to threaten strawberry production across the Southeast. One of the most efficient ways to overcome the disease is to rotate the crop, in and out of a field. But that can be easier said than done, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I tell producers, strawberry …

fertilizer

Citrus Extension Specialist: Fruit Splitting A Concern for Cold-Hardy Growers Following Two Weekends of Rain

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Back-to-back weekends of increased rainfall in the cold-hardy citrus region have left some citrus susceptible to fruit splitting. Growers are advised to discard any fruit showing the condition. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed the danger of the region’s fruit following Hurricane Isaias and its impact moving through the Gulf …

concern

Current Concerns for Cold-Hardy Citrus Growers

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Pests, Weather

Cold-hardy citrus producers are about a month away from harvesting this year’s crop. A lot can happen during that time. What is beyond the grower’s control is what most concerns Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and co-owner of JoNina Farm in Ochlocknee, Georgia. “We personally experienced last year a 40-year hailstorm. So that’s always a possibility …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Increase in Year-Round Imports Pressuring Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles Every so often, we’ll see another data point that confirms an argument we’ve been making for years in the Southeastern specialty crop industry: Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are putting our growers at a disadvantage. In this instance, the data comes from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) recently published report, “Competing Across the Calendar: The …

Squash Bugs a Concern for North Florida, South Georgia Watermelon Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Plenty is on the minds of North Florida and South Georgia watermelon growers ahead of this year’s Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute, scheduled for Dec. 3. Multiple concerns are expected to be addressed at the meeting, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I …

Wait and See: GFVGA Executive Director Advises Growers Following Court Ruling Regarding H-2A

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A federal court’s ruling that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current adverse effect wage rate methodology is unlawful was a setback for producers and industry leaders. One of those leaders is Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Executive Director Chris Butts. He advises farmers on what the next step should be in this frustrating process. “Take …

GPGA Fall Field Day Brings Together Specialists, Growers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Fall Field Day on Thursday provided an outlet for researchers and industry specialists to meet with growers on the cusp of this year’s harvest season. The field day was held at Southern Hills Orchards in Leesburg, Georgia. University specialists provided farmers an update on various topics impacting this year’s crop. That …

fertilizer

Georgia Citrus Growers May Be Using Too Much Fertilizer

Dan CooperGeorgia, Nutrition

Fertilizer recommendations for citrus are still a work in progress for University of Georgia (UGA) researchers, including Mary Sutton, UGA assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. She discussed this topic at the recent Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons. South Georgia citrus production is still in its early stage. Fertilizer recommendations are needed for the industry’s long-term sustainability. “We’re hoping …

Lobbyist Updates Growers About Key Legislative Issues at Peanut Conference

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Last week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference provided growers an opportunity to hear about various topics impacting the agricultural industry. One of the sessions focused on legislative issues. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington D.C., attended the three-day conference and provided attendees with an update on …