Cash incentives have spurred some growers to implement cover crops as part of their farming operations. But a recent survey has shown, after those incentives from cash or crop insurance discounts go away, producers are prone to stick with the process. In a U.S. Department of Agriculture interview, Rob Myers, director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the …
‘Clean Plants’ Vital to Success for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are close to planting this year’s crop. Success this season will hinge largely on how “clean” the plants are that producers get from nurseries, believes Dustin Grooms, a producer in Plant City, Florida. “Getting good plants is the beginning of it all. If you get problematic plants, you’ll fight with it all year. You …
Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Florida for Cabbage Growers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Florida cabbage producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is Tuesday, Aug. 15. Current policyholders who wish to adjust their existing coverage also have until the Aug. 15 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to …
Watermelon Quality Essential for Alabama Growers
By Will Jordan Watermelon harvests continue in Alabama. Some growers are winding down, while others have more crop to pick. It is important that producers ensure the highest quality for consumers. The best practices for increasing sweetness levels for that signature watermelon flavor is clouded by some misconceptions. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, shares some insight. Sponsored ContentNew …
North Carolina Tomato Growers Association Plans Referendum
RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association will conduct an August referendum on continuing the $20 per acre assessment on harvested commercial tomatoes. Funds generated by the assessment would support research, education and programs to promote N.C. tomatoes. The proposed assessment term is six years, beginning with the 2023 crop. All North Carolina farmers engaged in the production of tomatoes …
North Alabama Rains Prompt Growers to Apply Fungicides
By Clint Thompson Recent rain events in North Alabama have prompted specialty crop producers to increase their fungicide applications. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said rainfall in the region has been sporadic in some areas and non-existent in others. But the increased moisture in certain areas has forced growers to apply fungicide sprays to control potential diseases. …
Peach Tree Management: Growers Should Manage Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach tree growers suffered through a disastrous season due to unforeseen weather conditions in February and March. Despite those various challenges, producers need to continue maintaining their orchards for future yields. This is especially true for insects like peachtree and lesser peachtree borer, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
From Start to Finish: Chilli Thrips Remain a Season-Long Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is just around the corner for South Florida producers. One part of production that growers will have to be ready for is managing chilli thrips. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed chilli thrips …
Florida Watermelon Growers Lead in Total Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Alabama Growers Moving Forward from Disappointing Peach Crop
By Will Jordan Peach losses were unfortunately common for growers in the Southeast. Due to an unseasonably warm February and a freeze in March, much of the crop was devastated, especially in Alabama. Producers can take action to mitigate future crop damage in the future. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn …