By Clint Thompson Communication remains the key tool in the toolbox that growers and specialty crop industry leaders need to utilize in convincing consumers to support locally grown produce. It is a strategic tactic that is being under-utilized according to Chuck Obern with C&B Farms, located south of Clewiston, Florida. “The real issue all of us have and I don’t …
Lipman Family Farms Celebrates 75 Years
By Clint Thompson A company that has remained sustainable and profitable for 75 years in the current economic climate is a modern-day success story. PRIORITIZING PEOPLEThe secret to Lipman Family Farms’ success is it prioritizes people. This includes its large workforce as well as the desires of consumers who purchase its various specialty crops every day. This prioritization allows Lipman …
Farm Income Down Despite Higher Prices at Grocery Store
Farm sector income is expected to drop in 2023. Net farm income is forecast to decrease by $25.9 billion or 15.9% from 2022 to $136.9 billion in 2023. Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease to $150.6 billion in 2023, a decrease of $39.4 billion or 20.7% from 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service …
Farm Income to Drop in 2023
Farm sector income is expected to drop in 2023. Net farm income is forecast to decrease by $25.9 billion or 15.9% from 2022 to $136.9 billion in 2023. Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease to $150.6 billion in 2023, a decrease of $39.4 billion or 20.7% from 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research …
Labor Still Costly Expense for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson The latest Vidalia onion budget prepared by University of Georgia Extension specialists estimates farmers invest more than $7,000 in input costs. That puts the break-even price at $15 per box for producers. Fortunately, market prices have been strong in recent years. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Discusses Role, Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s newly sworn-in Commissioner of Agriculture has made it clear; his top priority is ensuring the state’s family farms remain sustainable now and into the future. Tyler Harper, who was sworn into office on Thursday, discussed his main objectives will be in office while attending the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference last week. To no surprise …
Florida Strawberry Farmer: High Market Prices Needed to Keep Heads Above Water
By Clint Thompson Strawberry prices are high right now for Florida growers. But they need to be for producers to keep their collective heads above water. In an agricultural era marred by soaring input expenses, growers yearn for high market prices to offset historical highs for expenses like diesel and labor. “Market prices have been higher, but with that being …
Gas, Diesel Prices Continue to Tumble
Average gas diesel prices continue to drop across the U.S., which is good news for Southeast specialty crop producers hoping to see a decline in input expenses. According to AAA, Monday’s average for regular non-leaded was $4.35 per gallon, a decrease from last week’s $4.52 and last month’s $4.90. It is still much higher, though, than the $3.15 cost from …
Freedom to Farm Bill Passes in Georgia
By Clint Thompson The Freedom to Farm bill in Georgia was a legislative win for the state’s specialty crop producers. Just ask Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council. “Freedom to Farm was the biggest bill, probably, we’ve had pass in a long time,” said Bentley, whose organization was an avid supporter of the bill. ONE LESS WORRYThere is …
Gas, Diesel Prices Drop Across Country
Gas and diesel prices continue to drop across the U.S. but are still substantially higher than this last year. According to AAA, the national average for regular unleaded gasoline on July 20 was $4.46 per gallon, compared to $4.63 a week ago and $4.98 a month ago. But it is still considerably more than the $3.16 consumers paid a year …