By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm temperatures have Alabama peach producers concerned about the lack of chill hours needed to produce a crop next season. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the department of horticulture at Auburn University, discussed the lack of cooler weather this winter and what growers need heading into the new year. “It depends on …
Diesel Supply and High Prices Challenge Agriculture
By Frank Giles Diesel has been called the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. It fuels the farms that feed America and the trucks that deliver food across the nation. Diesel powers trains, ships and so much more, so it is little surprise recent spikes in prices and inventory concerns have the agriculture industry worried, along with many other sectors of …
Citrus Show Update
In March, AgNet Media purchased the assets of Florida Grower magazine, which included the Florida Citrus Show. The show has been an important event, hosted in the Indian River citrus-growing region for many years. AgNet Media intends to continue presenting the show but is currently evaluating ways to improve it with new ideas to optimize the experience for citrus growers in …
Florida Citrus Show Update
In March, AgNet Media purchased the assets of Florida Grower magazine, which included the Florida Citrus Show. The show has been an important event, hosted in the Indian River citrus-growing region for many years. AgNet Media intends to continue presenting the show but is currently evaluating ways to improve it with new ideas to optimize the experience for citrus growers in …
GFVGA Issues Letter to Georgia Congressional Delegation Following AEWR Announcement
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association issued a letter on Dec. 5 to the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation. The letter was in response to the 14% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, which would increase from $11.99 per hour in 2022 to $13.68 per hour in 2023. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia …
Florida Strawberry Farmer: High Market Prices Needed to Keep Heads Above Water
By Clint Thompson Strawberry prices are high right now for Florida growers. But they need to be for producers to keep their collective heads above water. In an agricultural era marred by soaring input expenses, growers yearn for high market prices to offset historical highs for expenses like diesel and labor. “Market prices have been higher, but with that being …
Trunk Injection Soon to Become Reality in Florida Citrus
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association (GCGA) hosted a luncheon on Dec. 7 at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center featuring a presentation by Tom Johnson, chief executive officer of TJ BioTech. The company is the manufacturer of ReMedium TI, the widely discussed formulation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC-HCI) that has shown promise as a treatment for HLB. The product is …
Fumigation: Pros and Cons Discussed at Annual Watermelon Meeting
By Clint Thompson Despite stringent regulatory requirements and high costs, fumigation remains a vital tool in a specialty crop producers’ toolbox when managing certain pests. “The reality is there’s just some pests and some crops where that is our most reliable tactic,” said Josh Freeman, an agronomist and regional manager with TriEst Ag Group. “Consider peppers for example. You have …
Florida Strawberry Grower: Volume is Not Quite There Yet, But It’s Coming
By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry growers had a delayed start to the season; some intentionally and others by Hurricane Ian. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, estimates that 80% of the industry decided to begin plantings later this year, a week later than normal. But then some had plants ready to go before being sidelined …
UGA Study Aims to Help Farmers Transitioning to Organic Production
By Maria M. Lameiras Organic agriculture has attracted both longtime producers and new farmers into the industry, as demand for organic food continues to increase. University of Georgia (UGA) scientists are coordinating new research designed to develop best practices for transitioning farmers starting out with land that has been used for grazing or has lain fallow. “Breaking new ground is …