By Clint Thompson A proper soil test can better prepare growers for the upcoming planting season. It should be done well in advance, says Eric Simonne, University of Florida/IFAS Northeast Extension District Director. “Ahead of the planting season is always the right time to do soil testing. You want to do that ahead of time enough so that if they …
UGA Specialist: Vegetable Producers Probably Prefer it to be Dry
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry period is not all bad for South Georgia vegetable producers. The current conditions are almost ideal for growers amid the current harvest season, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Most vegetable growers, in general, they would probably prefer it to be dry, because …
Interest Increases in Florida Pearl
By Clint Thompson Interest in the new Florida Pearl strawberry, released by University of Florida strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker, is gaining momentum. It’s expected to lead to a substantial jump in acres for the upcoming season; perhaps as much as 200 acres. “The interest has been variable depending on the business model of the different growers. There definitely will be …
NAP Coverage a Potential Option for Specialty Crop Producers
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers about the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that is in place to provide financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when diminished yields, inventory loss or prevented planting occur as a result of a natural disaster. If growers are unable to get coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management …
What’s Next? Potential Chemical Shortage Looming for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Some supplies are in limited quantity for growers this spring. One South Georgia farmer is concerned about a potential shortage for the rest of this year with certain chemicals. “Down the road, there looks like possibly some potential problems with supply on chemicals,” said Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Supposedly, …
High Freight Rates Costing Producers
By Clint Thompson High freight rates and limited availability have created another challenge for Southeast vegetable producers. Neil Mazal, with East Coast Farms and Vegetables in Lake Worth, Florida, said freight rates are historically high and may contribute to a quick and unprofitable season for some growers. “We’re in South Florida. Historically, I would buy a truck out of South …
South Carolina Grower: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “On the whole, disease pressure in most crops remains low. The exception is cucurbits where we are finding powdery mildew in cucumbers as well as downy mildew. Cucurbit bacterial …
UF Strawberry Breeder: ‘Lengthening of Season Good for Industry’
By Clint Thompson A recent production trend is a positive development for Florida strawberry producers. The Sunshine State’s strawberry season is starting earlier and ending later in recent years. That’s a win for producers, said Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “There were some interesting USDA statistics that were out recently …
Protect Future Crops From Weeds During Fallow Period
By Clint Thompson It is the fallow period for much of Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. It is the time every season between June and August when it is too hot to produce any crops. But that doesn’t mean producers aren’t preparing for the upcoming fall season. The fallow times of the year allow growers to protect their future …
Results From Alabama Extension Strawberry Variety Research Trials
By Clint Thompson Strawberries remain a popular fruit crop produced in Alabama. The secret to increasing its popularity may be by providing growers more variety options. “Varieties are one of the most important decisions you’re going to make in crop production,” said Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University during a …