The University of Florida (UF) Hemp Pilot Project strives to keep growers informed on everything hemp. In an effort to do just that, Zachary Brym, agronomist at the UF Tropical Research and Education Center and Hemp Pilot Project coordinator, has put together a traveling hemp workshop. The first workshop was held on July 30 in Gainesville, Florida. The workshop was …
Southeastern Growers Unite at USMCA Meeting
On July 30, farmers and industry leaders from throughout the Southeast gathered in Lake City, Florida, to discuss the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the lack of protection for Southeastern produce growers struggling to keep up with heavy Mexican competition. “The fight is real,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried in an exclusive interview with AgNet Media Founder and President …
Florida Tomato Exchange: Mexican Growers Should Not Prejudge Antidumping Investigation
The allegation by Mexican tomato growers that Florida politicians are pressuring the Commerce Department to “prejudge” the antidumping investigation of Mexican tomatoes is a fabrication and a clear example of “the pot calling the kettle black.” In a press release last week, the Mexican growers announced that their recently submitted data to the Commerce Department confirms they are not dumping …
Alabama Growers Given Green Light on Hemp
Growers in Alabama are now able to plant hemp seeds and be among the first in the Southeast to be a part of this budding industry. AgNet Media’s Randall Weiseman recently spoke with Hassey Brooks, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ deputy commissioner, about the new Alabama hemp pilot program. According to Brooks, the department allowed growers to begin …
Florida Growers Pave Way for New Crops
By Karla Arboleda Tradition runs deep in Florida, but the state now has more growers producing a new range of specialty crops. PURPLE SWEET POTATODanny Johns, a fourth-generation potato farmer, grows a purple sweet potato with a fresh aesthetic and more nutrients to promote healthier eating. Aside from being brand new eye candy, Blue Sky Farms’ new variety grows right …
Stone Fruit Field Day Provides Growers with New Research
By Alison DeLoach Peaches can often be a difficult crop for growers to produce in Florida. Ali Sarkhosh, an assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Florida (UF), dedicates his research to helping growers overcome these challenges. Recently, Sarkhosh hosted a stone fruit field day with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The speakers at this …
Growers of Organic Vidalia Onions Face Challenges
By Bhabesh Dutta, Carroll Johnson and Jason Schmidt Vidalia onion ranks first in terms of farmgate value among vegetables in Georgia, making it the most important vegetable crop in the state. Among the spring-grown onions in the United States, Georgia ranks first because Vidalia onions are predominantly grown in spring. Although most of the acreage is conventional, nearly 20 percent …
Biological Controls for Growers
By Alison DeLoach Integrated pest management is an economic way for growers to control pests. Jim Walgenbach an Extension entomologist at North Carolina State University, studies integrated pest management on tree fruits and vegetable crops. At the 2019 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, he discussed research on biological controls for certain pests. When it comes to managing spider mites …
Bacterial Spot Presents Challenges for Peach Growers
Peach growers are currently in need of ways to control bacterial spot, a severe disease that is at its worst when rain is frequent. Dave Ritchie, a plant pathologist at North Carolina State University, spoke about the disease and management options for growers at the 2019 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Bacterial spot is particularly challenging because of the …
Georgia Pecan Growers Conference and Trade Show
The 54th Annual Georgia Pecan Growers Conference and Trade Show has been taking place today at the UGA Conference Center in Tifton. Tyron Spearman stopped by and caught up with Georgia Pecan Growers Association President Brent Brinkley. Spearman also caught up with Lenny Wells, associate professor and Extension horticulture specialist for pecans with the University of Georgia. Finally, Spearman talked …