By Frank Giles Farming has never been an easy profession, but the past few years have placed even bigger burdens on the job. The pandemic, supply-chain disruptions, inflation and extreme weather events have all placed additional challenges on profitability. Even before the pandemic, a group of growers in Florida began recognizing challenges to their sustainability was a larger discussion than …
U.S. Trade Representative Acknowledges Problem With Rising Imports
By Clint Thompson The U.S. trade representative (USTR) promised specialty crop producers help but not an investigation into imports of Mexican produce. For one industry leader, that is at least an acknowledgement that Southeast fruit and vegetable producers are suffering from unfair trade practices. “The fact that they’ve agreed to set up a stakeholder committee is an acknowledgment that they …
Nematode Applications Effective for Peachtree Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach producers who have problems with peachtree borer insects should consider nematodes as a management option. No, not the harmful worms that can devastate plants. These are entomopathogenic nematodes that seek and destroy the borer insects, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “If growers have peachtree …
Wild Radish More Challenging for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Wild radish has long been a problematic weed for vegetable producers. Unfortunately, the problem is becoming more of a challenge to manage. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the scenario facing growers during last weekend’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Wild radish has certainly been a challenge for …
Christmas Freeze Not Too Impactful on Georgia Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Though rattled by sub-freezing temperatures during the Christmas holidays, Georgia’s blueberry crop was not severely impacted by prolonged temperatures in the 20s. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, says freeze events that occur later in the season are much more impactful. “For the vast majority, this freeze was not as big …
Taking Fertilizer Knowledge to the Next Level
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Fertilizer Prices to Remain High for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson The high fertilizer prices gripping the agricultural world should improve some for farmers this year. But just a little. At the very least, costs are not expected to increase, says Glen Harris, University of Georgia (UGA) professor and Extension agronomist in environmental soil and fertilizer. “If you look back, fertilizer prices went up in 2008 but came …
Cabbage Prices High Amid Reduced Supply Following Freeze Event
By Clint Thompson Cabbage prices are extremely high for Southeast producers. That is good news for growers who actually have a crop. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most farmers. The Christmas freeze event impacted a lot of the crop, especially in Georgia. Hank Scott with Long and Scott Farms, discussed the impact that multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures had …
Taking Fertilizer Knowledge to the Next Level
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Event Reminder: Alabama Peach Production Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 18
Alabama Extension reminds peach farmers and industry leaders that it will be hosting a production meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. (Est.) in Jemison, Alabama. This is a free event for attendees. Those interested can click here to register. The meeting will be held at 14 Padgett Lane, Jemison, Alabama, 35085. Extension specialists will provide updates on various …