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Labor Issues Concern Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Web AdminLabor, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The newly signed United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) raises almost as many questions as it answers with respect to labor costs, according to Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia agribusiness Extension economist. “The H-2A program which is in place is very expensive for the farmers, and that helps to increase the cost of production,” Fonsah said. “The good part …

Message to Potential Alabama Hemp Growers: Know What You’re Getting Into

Web AdminAlabama, Hemp, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Katelyn Kesheimer has a message for all farmers interested in growing hemp this year: Know what you’re getting into. During this year’s hemp meetings, which continue in March throughout Alabama, Kesheimer and other specialists are discussing economics, insects, weeds and diseases that are associated with hemp production. “We’re very clear …

UGA Extension Schedules Three Grape Growers Workshops

Web AdminGeorgia, Grapes, Industry News Release, Top Posts

(UGA/CAES) — University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension is holding a series of workshops specifically for Georgia grape growers in March. The classes, set for March 3 in Carrollton; March 5 in Dahlonega; and March 17 in Ellijay, will cover disease and insect control and other critical components of an integrated pest management program for vineyards. “Vineyard managers ask questions …

What Growers Need to Know About New Hemp Insurance Program

Web AdminHemp

By Clint Thompson The Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Pilot Insurance Program will not protect producers of hemp if the THC level of their crop is higher than the accepted 0.3 percent range, according to Martin Barbre, administrator of the Risk Management Agency. “We want to make it clear, abundantly clear, hemp that contains THC above the compliance level laid out …

Soil Moisture Sensors Benefit Vegetable Growers

Web AdminIrrigation, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Irrigation scheduling tools like soil moisture sensors can save vegetable growers valuable input costs by applying less irrigation while also increasing crop yields, according to University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist Andre da Silva. He discussed irrigation management in vegetables during the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society meeting on Jan. 14–15 on the UGA Tifton …

Growers Discuss BMPs

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts, Water

By Ernie Neff Two growers participating in a Dec. 16 program about local agricultural issues shared some of the best management practices (BMPs) their companies employ. The event was hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee. Danny Sutton, president and general manager of Alico Citrus, …

Growers and Representatives Meet in Immokalee

Web AdminFlorida, Legislative, Top Posts

By Ernie Neff State representatives Byron Donalds and Bob Rommel met with citrus and vegetable growers at a Dec. 16 discussion in Immokalee about local agricultural issues. The event was hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. Donalds said he wants to be sure IFAS recommendations, on which …

USDA Announces Pilot Insurance Coverage for Hemp Growers

Web AdminHemp, Industry News Release

(USDA/RMA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced a new crop insurance option for hemp growers in select counties of 21 states in 2020.  The pilot insurance program will provide Actual Production History (APH) coverage under 508(h) Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) for eligible producers in certain counties in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, …

Grafted Watermelon Seedlings Could Benefit Growers

Web AdminResearch, Top Posts, Watermelon

By Ashley Robinson Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are studying grafted watermelon seedlings because of the advantages they can provide to growers. The grafted seedlings, an intentional fusion of plant parts, are resistant to fusarium wilt and tolerant to cold temperatures. “This is kind of an additional tool to use if you do …

BMPs Discussion Attracts Growers

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts, Water

By Ernie Neff A Dec. 16 discussion of local agricultural issues with a focus on best management practices (BMPs) attracted more than 50 attendees to Immokalee. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center hosted the event. Professor and center director Kelly Morgan summarizes the discussions, which he says included “some …