By Clint Thompson Hillsborough County, Florida’s winter strawberry capital of the United States, could soon be in danger. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, believes the influx of people moving into the area means there is less and less land to use for agriculture. That will slowly impact the county’s production of strawberries over time. …
North Carolina State Farmers Market to Host Peach Day July 13
RALEIGH – The popular Peach Dessert Contest is making its return to the lineup of the North Carolina (N.C.) State Farmers Market Peach Day festivities Thursday, July 13. With N.C. peaches in season, it’s a great time for home cooks to feature the juicy fruit in sweet and savory dishes any time of day. All ages and skill levels are …
Local Support Essential to Sustainability
By Clint Thompson Education remains the key component in convincing American consumers of the value of supporting local farmers. It is an approach that is currently being underutilized, according to one Florida vegetable producer. “Most farmers, including myself, get caught up with kicking the tires and trying to make things work. But at the end of the day, you have …
Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson Confirmed to Speak at Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will speak during the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo’s General Session on Aug. 16. Simpson, a farmer himself, brings a perspective grounded in the importance and realities of agriculture. “We are excited to have Commissioner Simpson join us for the Expo,” says Robin Loftin, president of AgNet Media. “The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo …
Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson Confirmed to Speak at Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will speak during the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo’s General Session on Aug. 16. Simpson, a farmer himself, brings a perspective grounded in the importance and realities of agriculture. “We are excited to have Commissioner Simpson join us for the Expo,” says Robin Loftin, president of AgNet Media. “The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo …
Major Deadline Looming: Acreage Reports Due for Most Crops by July 17
Southeast specialty crop producers are reminded that July 17 is a major deadline to file acreage reports with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for most crops. Crop acreage reports document the crops grown on producers’ farms and ranches along with their intended uses. Farmers must file timely acreage reports to be eligible for many of the USDA programs. These …
GFVGA Executive Vice President: Peach Producers Remain Optimistic Despite Year
By Clint Thompson Farmers are a resilient group of individuals. They have to be to get back up off the mat following one challenging blow after another. For Georgia’s peach growers, they will need to be if they hope to survive a devastating ’23 season. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed …
Embracing Change Spells Sustainability
By Clint Thompson A family business born in 1925 is still thriving nearly 100 years later. When Walter and Ernestine Rawl planted their first cabbage on their wedding day, little did they realize it was the start of a successful business venture. What started as a small planting in South Carolina has transformed into a major operation. WP Rawl, based …
USDA Releases July 2023 Lending Rates
Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and …
Two weeks: Maximum Time In Between Pecan Scab Disease Sprays for Susceptible Varieties
By Clint Thompson Two weeks. That is the maximum amount of time pecan growers have to apply fungicide sprays to trees most susceptible to scab disease. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses the spray window that farmers have to keep certain varieties free of the disease. “From this point on, growers need to stay really tight on …