RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that 16 specialty crop projects have received more than $2.9 million in USDA grants in 2021. Projects included new research on reusing old greenhouse structures for strawberry production, how to limit insecticide usage that can harm pollinators, addressing health and safety concerns for farm workers, and consumer awareness campaigns …
AFVGA Executive Director: Address Input Needs as Early as Possible
By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), implores his farmers to be proactive instead of being reactive with adjusting to the current surge in input costs. “Our overall message is to make sure you’re addressing your input needs as early as possible to get ahead of any kind of delays that …
Latest Florida Citrus Survey Reveals a Year in Flux
Results show HLB and pandemic-related issues bring challenges, but growers persist.
Vidalia Onion Farmers Ahead of Planting Schedule
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion farmers are ahead of schedule in planting next year’s crop. The dry weather in the southeastern part of the state is a reason why, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “In a typical year, we’ll usually start around the …
DOL Extends Comment Period for Rulemaking to Protect Workers from Heat
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the period for submitting comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. Comments on the ANPRM must now be submitted by Jan. 26, 2022. The 30-day extension provides stakeholders more time to review the …
AgNet Media Magazine Gets New Name
Beginning in January 2022, Vegetable and Specialty Crops News (VSCNews) will have a new name. The monthly trade magazine that debuted from AgNet Media four years ago will become Specialty Crop Industry. Not only is the new name more concise, but it also more accurately reflects the scope of the magazine’s content and audience. Although AgNet Media is dropping the …
UF Researcher: Cover Crops Replenish Soil
By Clint Thompson Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes in cover crops so much he quotes the United States’ first president in making his argument. “We’ve got to take care of our soils. George Washington, he was a farmer, …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, pest and disease pressure have reduced in response to cooler dryer conditions. Keep an eye on soil moisture and continue to regularly scout crops.” Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “We …
Federal Funding: UF Citrus Faculty Secure Resources in Fight Against Citrus Greening
LAKE ALFRED, Fla — Three USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program grants totaling more than $2.2 million will help University of Florida citrus researchers in their fight against citrus greening disease. In addition, UF/IFAS researchers are serving in leadership roles in two other multi-million-dollar grants awarded to other research institutions across …
Successful Meeting: AFVGA Executive Director Pleased with Conference
By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), was pleased with the association’s annual conference and trade show that was held on Nov. 18-19 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Attendance was great. The seminar sessions provided insight in various challenges the industry is facing. It was everything Thaxton had hoped for. “We had …