By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp farmers have begun planting this year’s crop, and Extension specialist Katelyn Kesheimer expects it to continue through June. “A lot of it depends on, obviously, what part of the state you’re in; southern Alabama, they’re starting now. And how many acres are you planting?” said Kesheimer, who was speaking while returning from a farm last …
Soil Moisture Sensors Benefit Florida Farmers
By Ashley Robinson Florida’s sandy soils mean that water management is a key component of producing crops in the Sunshine State. According to Charles Barrett, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent for water resources, irrigation scheduling tools like soil moisture sensors can help producers maximize their water efficiency and crop yields. Technology …
Three Joy Peaches Released
ARS News Service BYRON, GEORGIA, May 14, 2020 — The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has released a trio of Joy peaches — Rich Joy, Liberty Joy and Crimson Joy — to enhance the southeastern fresh peach market. Rich Joy is named for its fruit’s rich flavor and as a way to honor ARS peach breeder William Richardson Okie, who retired …
N.C. State Specialist: Weekend Frost Damages Some Grapes
By Clint Thompson North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist Mark Hoffmann confirmed that grapes in his state experienced frost damage during last weekend’s cooler temperatures. The state’s strawberries appear to have escaped damage. “We got lucky for the most part and didn’t see a lot of damage in strawberries. Still a pretty strong strawberry season,” Hoffmann said. “But we had …
Specialty Crop Industry Protocols Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19
A national coalition of 64 organizations representing specialty crop producers sent a letter to Congressional leadership this week on safety protocols within the industry during COVID-19. They want Congress to know the steps agricultural employers are taking to protect their workers. “Farmers and ranchers across the country moved quickly to implement new employee safety protocols early in the crisis,” says …
Coming Soon to a Store Near You: Florida Finger Limes
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Sweet oranges. Ruby red grapefruit. Sugar Belle mandarins. When one thinks of Florida citrus, these fruits immediately come to mind. But finger limes? A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher believes that finger limes maybe the next food trend that will continue to fortify Florida’s role as a citrus producer for the …
Sweet Results for Florida Peach Farmer
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach season has come and gone. David Wheeler, peach farmer in Lake Placid, Florida, said his season started early and finished earlier. From a marketing standpoint, that was as good as he could have hoped for. “The marketing window, that was very good this year, yes,” Wheeler said. Wheeler produces 120 acres of peach trees and …
Cover Crops for Summer Nematode Management
By Abolfazl Hajihassani and Josiah Marquez Multiple cover crops are excellent candidates for vegetable growing systems in the southern United States due to their ability to fix nitrogen, build and maintain soil organic matter, and suppress soilborne pathogens, nematodes and weeds. In addition, cover crops can be a valuable strategy for improving microbial diversity and soil health when properly implemented. …
UGA Specialist Expects Farmers to Plant Hemp in June
By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers are expected to soon plant this year’s hemp crop, said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension hemp specialist Tim Coolong. He predicts early June for when hemp will be planted commercially for the first time in Georgia. “I’ve talked to some people that as of last week everything was a go for their license. They just …
Pepper Weevils Out of Control in Florida Vegetable Fields
By Clint Thompson Florida produce growers need to be wary of the pepper weevil, which is running rampant in the state’s vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are out of control on the East Coast in Florida vegetable fields. Growers are also seeing damage increasing in eggplant. Damage is so extreme in …