By Clint Thompson Georgia citrus producers have a vocal legislative supporter in their corner, and that’s good news for the industry heading into the future. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) recently visited with Georgia citrus farmers and industry leaders to learn more about the growing commodity in the state. He came away impressed with how citrus has blossomed in popularity …
Watermelon Acres Down Across North Florida
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground across the Suwanee Valley region of Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, expects there to be a decrease in acres this year across the northern part of the state. “I would say we might be down …
Sneak Peek: April 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts watermelons in the spotlight. There is new leadership in the National Watermelon Association. George Szczepanski talks about his new role as NWA executive director after succeeding Bob Morissey, who was in the role for nearly 20 years. Szczepanski inherits an organization amid a challenging era for growers, including high input costs …
Don’t Miss The Florida Grower Citrus Show!
The 2023 Florida Grower Citrus Show is not your average trade show. In less than one month, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce will host the show. Seminars will be packed with …
Speaker Spotlight: Scott Adkins
This year, AgNet Media is expanding the Florida Grower Citrus Show to include vegetable seminars. Scott Adkins, U.S. Department of Agriculture research leader, will be talking about what’s new in vegetable viruses and detector dogs during the afternoon breakout session. Adkins will discuss new and emerging problems that come with Florida’s sub-tropical climate. His talk will highlight a new way …
April Crop Insurance Deadline Approaches
The final date to apply for Florida citrus tree and fruit crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is April 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the April 15 to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk …
North Florida Melon Producers Escape Bullet From Recent Frost Events
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon plants appear to have survived frost events in the past two weeks. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, described what growers are observing in the fields. “I think so far, the frost last week, the one that probably touched up …
What to Expect? Pecan Beginners Class Scheduled for March 28
By Clint Thompson Interest in producing pecans in the Southeast has not waned; even with prices plummeting in recent years and input costs skyrocketing. Growers are still establishing orchards, and those interested in producing trees are signing up for the pecan beginner’s class, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “We still have a fair amount of …
Harvest Nears for Vidalia Onion Crop
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are getting closer to harvesting this year’s crop. Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman, discussed the expected timeframe growers have in preparing to pick this year’s onions. “Most everything’s going to be the end of March and first of April to start. We’ll probably see a slight gap after the very first ones …
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. Midlands Sarah Scott reports, “Temperatures dropped below freezing along the Ridge two mornings last week. We’ve been checking peaches over the past few days to assess the damage. Right now, it seems a lot …