According to the North Carolina State Extension, the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program was set to expire on Oct. 31, 2020. However, Congress passed a law (Wednesday) that allows states to continue their pilot programs until Sept. 20, 2021. For the time being the rules for growing hemp, licensing, compliance testing, etc. will remain the same in NC. NCDA&CS has …
Abnormally Wet Fall Challenging for Alabama Pumpkin Producers
An abnormally wet September has required Alabama pumpkin farmers to maintain strict fungicide applications, especially following Hurricane Sally’s trek through the state on Sept. 16. Neil Kelly, Alabama Extension Regional agent in Southeast Alabama, said the lack of consistent sunshine over the last two weeks has created disease concerns for pumpkin growers. “We haven’t really had a real good break …
Strawberry Planting Season Draws Near
Alabama strawberry producers enjoyed sweet success in 2020. Farmers are hoping for a repeat performance this year as planting season nears. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, said growers target Oct. 15 date as the latest timeframe they want to have this year’s crop in the ground. “They can certainly …
Breeding Better Cucurbits
By Cecilia McGregor and George Boyhan Cucurbit crops are some of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the Southeast. However, the hot and humid climate is conducive to pest and disease development, which presents a challenge to growers. Cucurbit breeding at the University of Georgia (UGA) is focused on breeding pumpkin, watermelon and squash with excellent fruit quality and …
Farm Bureau Economist Encourages Producers to Apply Early for CFAP 2
Applications continue to be accepted from fruit and vegetable crop producers looking to participate in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau, encourages producers in Georgia, Florida and Alabama to get signed up sooner rather than later. “Anytime there’s a limited amount of funds, a lot of folks would be interested in it. You …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 9/28/20 Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Cooler temperatures have really helped out the direct seeded fall crops. Carrots, beets, and arugula are looking great around the Lowcountry. We had about two inches of rain so …
Sneak Peek: October 2020 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The October issue of VSCNews magazine covers a variety of topics, including establishing an olive industry in Florida, the potential for hops and a strawberry spotlight. Currently, Florida has approximately 800 acres of olives under production. Although olives grow well in Florida’s warm climate, little formal research on Florida olive cultivation is available to support industry development. …
Integrating Biological Controls for Root-Knot Nematodes, Weeds in Organic Farming
By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News While weeds and plant parasites are a concern for all agricultural producers, organic farmers are doubly challenged to combat these problems without chemical solutions. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a University of Georgia researcher is working to discover and integrate biological products and cover crops to control nematodes and …
Uncertainty Remains in Pecan Market
With some certainty, Georgia pecan producers are expecting a bumper crop this year. What remains uncertain is the market price farmers will receive at harvest. As growers are currently harvesting Pawnees with other varieties expected to be harvested next month, there is still an unpredictability regarding the pecan market, according to Phil Croft, manager of the Hudson Pecan Company. “Right …
Ampersand® Adjuvant Can Reduce Organic Herbicide Use Rates by Half Without Sacrificing Performance
BOCA RATON, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Attune Agriculture, the leader in combining agriculture and food science to create products using hydrocolloid technology, announced that its OMRI listed adjuvant, Ampersand®, can reduce the use rate of organic herbicides by 50%, while maintaining the same level of performance as high use rates. Ampersand is a unique adjuvant formulated with hydrocolloids that provides superior deposition, …