By Clint Thompson Increased blueberry imports may have snatched away some of Florida growers’ market share, but they haven’t taken away the producers’ optimistic outlook. That’s evident with some of the larger growers establishing new plantings, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida/IFAS Blueberry Extension Coordinator. “I would say from a market perspective, imports into the U.S. continue to be a …
New Death Tax Would Squeeze the Life Out of Florida Citrus Growers
Ag industry stakeholders on alert as proposed hikes set to stymie production and progress.
Downy Mildew Alert: Alabama Pumpkin Growers Be Wary of Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall this summer has one Alabama plant pathologist concerned about downy mildew disease on the state’s pumpkin crop. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, says growers need to be wary of the disease since the weather is conducive to its development. “I would say …
Excessive Rain a Potential Food Safety Concern for Fresh Produce Growers
By Clint Thompson Rains from storms and other tropical events help replenish the soil moisture. However, they also provide food safety concerns for fresh produce growers. Camila Rodrigues, assistant professor and Alabama Extension specialist in Horticulture at Auburn University, says the biggest concern is with runoff. “What is around the field that could be carried around by runoff and also …
Check Closely: Strawberry Growers Need to Monitor Transplants
By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers need to inspect their plants closely before planting this fall, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. Many disease instances can be avoided if proper inspection is done before plants are put in the ground. “As growers are getting in their transplants, they need to be inspecting all of the transplants. …
USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Specialty Crop Growers
CFAP 2 Deadline is Oct. 12 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Additionally, USDA’s Farm …
Hemp Research: Flowering Behavior Provides Guidance for Florida Growers
APOPKA, Fla. — New UF/IFAS research emphasizes two important factors for Florida growers to consider before planting hemp; variety selection and factor day length. Hemp needs sufficient time for vegetative growth to occur before the photoperiod begins, which causes the plant to flower. If a grower plants a hemp crop that is too late or a variety that is incompatible …
Hemp Alert: Alabama Growers Watch out for Corn Earworms
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp producers need to be wary of high insect pressure across the region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, said growers especially need to watch out for corn earworms. “The biggest thing that people need to be aware of that we’re dealing with right now is corn earworm. We started finding them in …
Shenandoah Growers, Inc. Establishing High-Tech Indoor Farm in S.C.
COLUMBIA – Shenandoah Growers, Inc., a national leader in commercially advanced indoor agriculture, broke ground on its next indoor ‘Biofarm,’ located in Anderson County. The project will create 50 local, well-paying jobs. With leading unit economics, capital efficiency, market reach and product offerings, Shenandoah Growers, Inc. is poised to break a long-standing market compromise by delivering 100% USDA certified organic …
Growers Beware: Manage Drosophila, Sour Rot in Georgia Grapes
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension reminds grape producers that the time is now to plan their spotted wing drosophila management (SWD). It will help suppress sour rot disease in grapes that are vulnerable. The SWD flies are active year-round but are an extreme pest when grapes approach veraison or begin to ripen. The brix levels in wine grapes can reach …