By Clint Thompson Extremely high input costs makes watermelon production unsustainable for Southeast producers. Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and chairman of the board of the Florida Watermelon Association (FWA), said there be a must price adjustment for farmers to remain afloat. “Pricing, I think it’s going to change this season, I really do. Farmers …
GFVGA Executive Director: Can’t Depend on Input Costs Dropping
By Clint Thompson Input costs are high right now for Georgia’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), says his farmers can’t bank on prices for freight, fertilizer, diesel and labor to decrease for the foreseeable future. “I don’t think you can depend on it going away. You’ve just …
Role of Fungal Pathogen in Citrus Fruit Drop at Center of Symposium
Growers and industry stakeholders gather to learn about the latest in peptide technology. Find out what was discussed.
Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum an Important Two-Day Event for Producers
By Clint Thompson Next month’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum is an opportunity for growers to receive timely information about various labor-related topics. Chris Butts, director of legislative affairs with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said the two-day event is essential for producers who need to stay up to date on important labor-related issues. “There are so many …
USITC Investigation: Future of Cucumbers, Squashes Markets at Stake
By Clint Thompson Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers should find out in the next couple of months the impact of two factfinding investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on the effects of imported cucumbers and squashes on the U.S. seasonal markets. It could have significant ramifications for future markets for both commodities, said John Walt Boatright, director …
Networking a Key Part of Florida Ag Expo
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo’s return means more networking opportunities for South Florida producers and industry leaders. That is one of the show’s main benefits it will provide when it returns on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. “It’s not just …
AFVGA Conference to Address Challenges Farmers are Facing
By Clint Thompson Challenges are nothing new for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. Whether it is labor issues, crop production or unfair trade, no grower is immune from the daily rigors of maintaining a successful farming operation. Next month’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show will address issues pertinent to the state’s producers, says …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide 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, “As we begin to see strawberry plants delivered into the area, don’t forget to examine the plants for pests and disease closely. With regards to disease, check the leaves for foliar disease …
High Pecan Prices so Far for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson Early returns on this year’s pecan crop show high prices for Pawnee varieties, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve been hearing anywhere from $2.50 to $2.65 in that range for Pawnee, which is good,” Wells said. Pawnee pecans are usually the first variety to be ready for harvest every season, usually about …
More Satsumas? What Georgia Producers Need to Consider Before Planting
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s citrus production could flood the market in less than three years. By 2024, there is projected to be more than 59 million pounds of citrus ready for harvest, says Jake Price, University of Georgia Lowndes County Extension coordinator. That is compared to 8.4 million pounds that is ready for harvest this year. “You can average three …