The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program connects farmers, ranchers and others with agriculture-related jobs to programs designed to combat stress. The University of Florida/IFAS is one of more than 50 partners joining the effort in the Southeast. Kendra Zamojski, family and consumer sciences regional specialized Extension agent, will lead the UF/IFAS team which encompasses …
What Citrus Should I Plant in the Era of HLB?
Rootstock trial results can help answer this question.
Christmas Tree Sales Up Amid Ongoing Pandemic
Christmas tree sales are booming this year, and COVID-19 may be a reason why. Both Frank Wadsworth, owner of Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm in Wetumpka, Alabama and Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension Professor in Horticulture at Auburn University, agree that the recommendations that people social distance themselves and stay quarantined has left many with the longing to get outside and …
Dr. A: Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle Likes Cool Weather
Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, cautions all vegetable producers one insect to be wary of right now is the yellowmargined leaf beetle. Unlike some insects that thrive only during the summer, or warm conditions, the yellowmargined leaf beetle likes cooler weather and will impact brassica crops. “It’s a small beetle that when you …
Increased Rainfall Not Helpful for South Florida Producers
The additional rainfall South Florida received earlier this week is not going to help vegetable and specialty crop producers still drying out from a wet November. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/IFAS Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, estimated his area in Immokalee, Florida had received almost three inches by the end of Monday. “(The rain’s) not going to help, especially …
In Story of Blueberries and Bees, Scientists Play Matchmaker
December 10, 2020 By: Samantha Murray, grenrosa@ufl.edu, 949-735-1076 GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Chew on this the next time you eat a blueberry: Every single blueberry is the result of a flower that was pollinated by a bee. In other words: no buzz, no berry. With that in mind, it’s no wonder blueberry growers bring in hives of honey bees or bumble …
Three to Join the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the addition of three new members to the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame – John Holman Cyrus of Raleigh, Fred N. Colvard of Jefferson and Marshall W. Grant of Garysburg. Established in 1953, the Agricultural Hall of Fame posthumously recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture in the state and beyond. …
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 This will be the final update of 2020. We will pick back up on Jan. 4, 2021. Be sure to keep an eye on the upcoming events tab give us a call if …
Pecan Harvest Season Nearing End
According to the USDA Pecan Report, growers are about 90% finished with harvesting their pecan crop this season. An estimated 50% have been sold, with the rest that are of good quality and size will be stored to sell later when prices have improved. The Pecan Report states, “Prices are about steady, and interest has increased as the push for …
Avoiding a Shutdown: H-2A Help Essential in Harvesting Crops Next Spring
The early onset of the coronavirus pandemic spelled doom for certain sectors of the agricultural industry. Restaurants shut down, unemployment rose, and suddenly, fruit and vegetable producers across the Southeast faced a decreased demand for their produce. There was also temporary concern among farmers about how suspended travel from foreign countries would impact H-2A workers trying to get in the …