By Clint Thompson The earlier the better when detecting and managing Thrips (T.) parvispinus in vegetable crops. The longer South Florida growers wait to scout, the more susceptible their crops become, especially peppers. Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, updated pepper growers about the insect …
Missed Opportunity: Tariffs Fail to Level Playing Field for Southeastern Growers
By Clint Thompson Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration last week did not include products covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That’s a missed opportunity to help Southeast specialty crop growers impacted by seasonal imports, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Our greater concern is just disappointment that we felt like the …
Juice Market Brings Questions for Georgia Citrus Growers
Expansion into the juice market may unlock a profitable marketing opportunity for Georgia citrus growers. But questions remain before growers can start planning this new course of action, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Hamlins and perhaps some early-season Valencias would work here in Georgia,” Savelle said. One question Georgia growers have about entering the juice …
Alabama Producers Obtain Growers Permits
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers planning to sell fresh products directly to consumers this year should apply for their annual growers permits through their local Alabama Cooperative Extension System county office. “If you sell fresh fruits or vegetables, table eggs or ornamental plants, you need a growers permit,” said Brandy Childress, Chilton County Extension office administrative support associate. “It …
What to Plant: UGA Pecan Specialist Highlights Three Varieties Growers Should Plant
By Clint Thompson Variety selection may be the most important choice a Southeast pecan producer makes in their quest to remain sustainable. The variety’s production, combined with a resistance or high tolerance to scab disease, makes it an invaluable choice for growers trying to navigate high input costs and low market prices. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Fresh From Florida Gives Growers Big Marketing Boost
By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers have a great story to tell and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to offer consumers. From roadside stands to popular retail outlets, there’s many ways to market and sell produce. Most states provide growers with an opportunity to join their special marketing programs. This year, Specialty Crop Grower will be featuring these …
Christmas Tree Workshop for New Growers
By Clint Thompson Alabama farmers and homeowners interested in learning how to grow Christmas trees are invited to attend a Christmas tree workshop, hosted by Alabama Extension. It will be held on April 5 at the Farm House Café in Thorsby, Alabama. Sign in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the classroom educational session being held from 10 a.m. to …
UF/IFAS Cautions Watermelon Growers About Copper Applications
By Clint Thompson Frost and wind damage have been common occurrences across North Florida watermelon fields early in the growing season. Producers may be inclined to protect their crop in the Suwanee Valley from disease buildup by making copper applications. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, cautions growers against such a strategy this early in …
Delayed Start to Harvest Season for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. In fact, some have already started to do so, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. He discussed this year’s harvest season which is starting later than normal. “It depends on the portion of the state …
Spider Mite Control Key for Strawberry Growers Managing Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry producers must be wary that spider mites could make the neopestalotiopsis disease problem worse, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I think growers need to be looking for spider mites more aggressively, scouting and definitely you need to be aware of that. They could exacerbate or increase the problem,” Brannen …