By Clint Thompson The reinvigorated Florida Grower Citrus Show was a crowd-pleaser in its first year hosted by AgNet Media. The annual event was relocated to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) facilities in Fort Pierce. It was streamlined from a two-day format to a one-day event. The show brought …
Redesigned Florida Grower Citrus Show a Sweet Success
By Clint Thompson The reinvigorated Florida Grower Citrus Show was a crowd-pleaser in its first year hosted by AgNet Media. The annual event was relocated to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) facilities in Fort Pierce. It was streamlined from a two-day format to a one-day event. The show brought …
Vidalia Onion Producer: We’re Probably About a Week Behind
By Clint Thompson Harvests of early-season varieties of Vidalia onions are lagging behind compared to previous years. That could soon be problematic for growers as the season continues in Southeast Georgia. Jimmy Cowart, who farms 430 acres in Toombs County, highlights the concern he has with certain onions not being fully mature this early in the harvest season. “It’s been …
Florida Tomato Committee Seeks Nominations for 2023-2025
Maitland, FL – The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 10, for tomato producers to nominate fellow growers or themselves to serve on the committee for a two-year term, from September 2023 to September 2025.  The FTC is a federal marketing order that regulates the handling of Florida tomatoes and supports the industry through …
Florida Tomato Committee Seeks Nominations for 2023-2025
Maitland, FL – The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 10, for tomato producers to nominate fellow growers or themselves to serve on the committee for a two-year term, from September 2023 to September 2025. The FTC is a federal marketing order that regulates the handling of Florida tomatoes and supports the industry …
Pecan’s Water Needs Most Important During Kernel Filling Stage
By Clint Thompson Water management is an essential component of pecan production. Growers need to manage their crop’s water needs throughout the production season, starting now, six months away from harvest season. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discussed irrigation management during the recent UGA Pecan Beginners Class held on March 28 in Perry, Georgia. Farmers …
Georgia Blueberries Expected Sooner Than Normal
By Clint Thompson Georgia blueberries are expected to be ready for harvest earlier than normal this year. One producer believes it is due to the warm temperatures the region experienced in February. Albert Wildes, who operates 50 acres in Alma, Georgia, said harvests should begin within the next two weeks for his crop. “I have not started harvesting. There’s just …
Be on the Lookout: Thrips Could Be Concerning for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson Thrips populations have spiked in recent weeks. Vidalia onion producers should be wary of these insects and their impact on a crop that is currently being harvested in Southeast Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, highlighted what he has observed in vegetable fields recently with regards to thrips infestations. “In general, over …
New Leader Takes National Watermelon Association Reins
By Clint Thompson The National Watermelon Association (NWA) ushered in a new era at its annual meeting in February. After nearly 20 years, the association has a new leader at the helm. George Szczepanski assumed the leadership role in an industry that’s currently facing numerous challenges, including labor shortages and high wage rates, inflationary impacts with input costs and competition …
In the Field: 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 Rob Last reports, “It has been another variable week in the low country with 1.6 inches of rainfall recorded and wide temperature variations. The rain has been beneficial in establishing cucurbit crops; …