Polk County, Florida – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida on Thursday to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet with producers impacted by the storm. The Secretary highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist growers in rebuilding their operations and increase their bottom lines. “We know how devastating …
HCCGA Annual Meeting Addresses Disaster Relief
The Highlands Country Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA) held its annual meeting in early March, celebrating 33 years of service to its membership. The event turned out a packed house in Sebring, with growers optimistic despite a challenging season. Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, spoke during the event and outlined a busy list …
Early Budbreak Could be Devastating for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Early budbreak for pecan trees in the Southeast could be a devastating development for producers. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, highlighted the concerns growers have with buds breaking 2 to 3 weeks earlier than last year. “It could be good or bad, it just depends on what our weather does between now and …
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, “Fruit crops are all developing well with good fruit set and flowering. Strawberry crops are beginning to ripen, heralding a fresh taste of spring. Pests and disease remain low, …
Dry Weather Needed for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Recent warm weather and prolonged dry conditions were much needed for Southeast specialty crop producers. Not only did it allow growers to get in the field and conduct much needed work in preparation for the spring crop, it also allowed the winter vegetables to continuing growing. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College …
Florida Remains Top User of H-2A Program
By Clint Thompson The top users of the H-2A program remain the same. The order at the top, though, has changed in recent years. According to John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs with American Farm Bureau, Florida was still the top user of the program from Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2022 with 50,973 certified positions. California was …
Bayer Announces Luna® Pro Fungicide
Luna® Pro fungicide, a premium premix fungicide that provides control of foliar and soilborne diseases in potatoes, is the latest release from Bayer. It utilizes prothioconazole, a DMI (DeMethylation Inhibitors) foliar fungicide, and fluopyram, an SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) fungicide. The combination of the two proven active ingredients offers a defense against early blight, white mold and other key potato …
Introducing the Commercial Vegetable Production Website
By Elise Schuchman and Craig Frey A new website dedicated to Florida commercial vegetable production is now available. The site (commercialveg.ifas.ufl.edu) is a collaborative effort between the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension offices, research and education centers, growers and crop consultants. It provides commercial vegetable growers with a consolidated access point to the latest …
Downy Mildew Discovered in Vidalia Onion
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has been confirmed on Vidalia onion in Tattnall County, Georgia. According to the University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog, Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable plant pathologist, said growers should be scouting for symptoms since weather conditions are suitable for infection and spread of the pathogen. They should contact their local county …
UV Light May Help Farmers Vanquish Deadly Cantaloupe Pathogen
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists want to help Florida farmers and U.S. producers grow a cantaloupe to satisfy consumers’ tastes and one that’s protected against powdery mildew disease. Even with fungicides, producers struggle to control powdery mildew, a disease that can damage or kill the fruit. Thanks to UF/IFAS research, growers may now implement …