Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and …
USDA Announces July 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Bruce McLean Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, …
Adaptation, Dedication and Fearlessness Allow Pebbledale Farms to Thrive
By Tacy Callies In a state known for Northern transplants, fifth-generation Floridians aren’t frequently found — unless you work in agriculture. Chris and Tina Connell, owners of Pebbledale Farms, are proud to call themselves fifth-generation Floridians. Tina’s grandfather grew strawberries and peppers. Chris was raised in the phosphate mining business, and his grandfather was a citrus grower and rancher. The …
Less Bang for Their Buck: Pecan Producers Receiving Less for Crop
Pecan producers continue to feel the sting of suppressed market prices, according to recent data generated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service. It noted in its Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook: March 2023, the average grower price for pecans fell from an already low price of $2.16 per pound in 2021 to $1.79 per pound in …
California Floods Affect Florida’s Strawberry Production
By Clint Thompson The current weather crisis in California is impacting Florida’s strawberry harvests. One producer said he is picking additional fruit this time of year amid the floods out west. “I go until April normally with some of them, but we’re going a little longer than normal because California is in disarray with all the weather they’ve been getting. …
California Floods Impacting Florida’s Strawberry Harvests
By Clint Thompson The current weather crisis in California is impacting Florida’s strawberry harvests. One producer said he is picking additional fruit this time of year amid the floods out west. “I go until April normally with some of them, but we’re going a little longer than normal because California is in disarray with all the weather they’ve been getting. …
Florida Watermelon Producers Could Start Planting This Week
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are expected to start planting this week in the Suwanee Valley area. Warmer temperatures and the potential for high market prices early in the season are enticing growers to go ahead and start planting earlier than normal, said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Could Start Planting This Week
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are expected to start planting this week in the Suwanee Valley area. Warmer temperatures and the potential for high market prices early in the season are enticing growers to go ahead and start planting earlier than normal, said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension …
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 …