There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, …
UF/IFAS Hosts Lebbeck Mealybug Workshop
Researchers are offering a lebbeck mealybug detection workshop in Fort Pierce on April 25. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC). Register for the meeting here. Lebbeck mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) is an invasive pest that can cost the fruit …
Be Sure Campaign Marks Fifth Anniversary
There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. In …
Nutrient Needs in Pecan Production
By Clint Thompson Fertility needs are an important concept for pecan growers to understand if they are going to be successful. Different times in the production season require various amounts of specific nutrients. Take nitrogen for example. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said nitrogen requirements are most important right now. “The peak nitrogen absorption by the roots …
Georgia Bill Focusing on Foreign-Owned Farmlands May Be on the Horizon
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session did not include the passage of a bill preventing foreign-owned farmlands in the state. While one was debated and discussed, it did not pass this session. Some of the state’s political leaders believe a bill will be passed next session, however. “It’s set up for next year. We really, just across the country now, …
Potato Breeding Program Launches Out of Hastings Ag Extension Center
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 …