For more than 50 years, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research and Extension teams have grown potatoes in variety trials at the UF/IFAS Hastings Agricultural Extension Center. In these trials, scientists discover which potatoes will be most productive for Florida growers. For the first time, researchers are using this knowledge to develop new potato varieties …
Weather Challenges for Southeast Alabama Producers
By Clint Thompson Adverse weather conditions have been a challenge for specialty crop producers in Southeast Alabama. The combination of a freeze event in March along with steady rainfall in recent weeks has impacted production in various ways. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in southeast Alabama, highlighted some of the obstacles his growers have faced this spring. “We had …
A ‘Great Day for Citrus’ in Georgia
Georgia’s young, burgeoning citrus industry celebrated a win on April 18. Surrounded by specialty crop industry leaders, state representatives and a throng of interested parties, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation to establish a state commodity commission for citrus. The signing took place at the Bainbridge campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. “In 2013, Georgia had 4,500 citrus trees. In …
U.S. House Ag Committee Hosting Farm Bill Listening Session April 24
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee will host a Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida, on Monday, April 24. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and Rep. Darren Soto, will host the session. The U.S. Ag Committee is in the process of reauthorizing the Farm Bill. The listening session will …
Potential Telone Shortage a Concern for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson An essential component of fumigation is likely to be in short supply this year. The ramifications will impact specialty crop producers across the Southeast. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, updated attendees at last week’s Florida Grower …
U.S. House Ag Committee to Host Farm Bill Listening Session in Newberry
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee will host a Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida, on Monday, April 24. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and Rep. Darren Soto, will host the session. The U.S. Ag Committee is in the process of reauthorizing the Farm Bill. The listening session will …
Rain, Rain Stay Away: Vidalia Onion Producers Need Dry Weather During Harvest
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests continue across the Southeast Georgia region. Producers are yearning for dry weather over the next several weeks. Not only will a lack of rainfall allow growers to harvest their crop in a timely fashion, it will also decrease the potential for disease development as onions are harvested and placed into cold storage. Cliff Riner, …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update 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, “I took what seemed like 100,000 calls, emails and texts last week about some odd symptoms on the older leaves of plants. The symptoms included interveinal chlorosis and what …
North Florida Melons Progressing Quicker Than Previous Seasons
By Clint Thompson It should come as no surprise, but North Florida watermelons are progressing at a faster pace than in previous production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, attributes the progression to the early planting dates that most growers started with this year. A …
Neopestalotiopsis Confirmed in Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been confirmed in Georgia strawberries this year. While the confirmation is isolated to one South Georgia field, growers should be wary that the pathogen is present in the region. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed what the discovery means for the state’s producers. “So far this year we …