The Security and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed rule to require climate disclosures by public companies could severely impact family farms and ranches and intensify the already concerning rate of consolidation in agriculture. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economists discuss potential impacts of “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate Related Disclosures for Investors” proposed rule in the latest Market Intel. The …
Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations
By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …
Important Clarifications on the Florida Citrus Research Order Referendum
As the voting period for the Florida Citrus Research Order winds down, it is important that growers have a clear understanding what the vote is for and the role the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) plays in the process. Rick Dantzler, chief operating officer of CRDF, says this clarification is important to be sure growers have the correct information, …
Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Teams to Host Vegetable Field Day
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— Join the Alabama Cooperative Extension commercial horticulture team for a conventional and organic vegetable crop field day on May 31. The field day will be held at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Tours will begin at the plant breeding unit at the railroad track …
Downy Mildew in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson What was inevitable has now become reality for North Florida watermelon producers – downy mildew disease in this year’s crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the presence of the disease in Levy County during his weekly email alerts. “It’s something that …
Florida First Detector Training
Registration is ongoing for a Florida First Detector training, scheduled for June 3 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center. It will last from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free Florida First Detector training will highlight identification and management for pests of concern that could impact sugarcane, rice and leafy …
Citrus Canker Discovered in Georgia
The discovery of citrus canker disease in Georgia last week has prompted industry leaders to caution growers about where they buy their trees. Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association, said hundreds of trees had to be removed from a grove infected with citrus canker. The trees were not from a Georgia certified nursery. She said the best way …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates
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, “As we see temperatures increase, strawberry flowering is reducing. Plants are still heavy with fruit, so managing diseases such as anthracnose and botrytis through fungicides and sanitation are key. Pests and diseases …
New Florida Potato Breeding Program Featured during Field Day
By Frank Giles Faculty and staff of the Hastings Agricultural Extension Center were excited to host growers in-person for its 2022 spring field day in April. The event has been on hiatus the past two years due to COVID-19. Much of the tour focused on potato production, which is a significant crop in the Tri-County region of Florida. Stops focused …
Specialty Crop Producer: Our Guys Need to Make Money
By Clint Thompson The 2022 season could be a pivotal year for specialty crop farmers. A production season that began with input costs spiking to unforeseen levels needs to end with growers pocketing some money, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think this season is a crucial season …