Florida Grower: It’s not going to be like it was last year It’s a tale of two seasons for Florida blueberry growers. Producers were early with last year’s crop but encountered COVID-19 that kept prices low. This year’s cooler weather has slowed the growth of the blueberry crop, which means it’ll likely be ready for its normal timeframe. Hopefully, that’ll …
Florida Vegetable Producer: I See it Ending
Another vegetable season means another chance for Mexican imports to deflate market prices. For one Florida producer, the consistent supply of imported cucumbers and squash could lead to an unexpected early retirement. “We cannot make a move without checking to see what Mexico’s doing first. It’s very disheartening for a man that was charged by God to feed the world,” …
Immigration Reform: Ag Leaders Sound Off on Timely Topic
The USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum recently highlighted various topics surrounding the future of the industry. Two agricultural leaders discussed one issue that has been at the industry’s forefront in the Southeast – immigration reform. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner said immigration reform has long been a hot issue discussed in Washington D.C. but has failed …
Enterprise Planning Budgets for Growers
By Kimberly L. Morgan and Tara Wade Wanna go fishin’? Have you ever wondered why we don’t ask who wants to go catching fish? Entrepreneurial adventures in farming may be compared to the distinction between fishing and catching any fish at all, regardless of hours spent throwing out a line, varying techniques, bait types, pole qualities and past experiences at …
UGA Pecan Specialist: Morale is Really Low Right Now
The pecan harvest season is in the books. When farmers and industry experts reflect on the 2020 season, what will be the story? Will it be an overwhelming crop that produced record yields for some farmers? Or will it be the low market prices that discouraged producers and forced many to store this year’s crop? University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biologicals Meet Grower Needs
Sponsored Content The use of biological crop protection products or “biologicals” in vegetable and specialty crops is not a new idea, just one that is increasing in popularity. The name sells itself. Biologicals represent a group of products derived from living organisms. Growers utilize environmentally friendly biologicals in combination with appropriate chemical applications to provide added protection against pests, diseases …
Will 2021 Be Any Different?
This year was a season unlike any other for produce farmers in the Southeast. Not only did COVID-19 strike at the worst time, but lingering international trade issues with Mexico resulted in diminished market prices for producers like Tifton, Georgia farmer Bill Brim. If something isn’t done soon, 2021 will be no different than 2020. “We’ve been fighting Mexico since …
Florida Farmer Looking Forward to 2021
Florida farmers are used to adversity. Between occasional hurricanes, unpredictable market prices and challenging international trade from competitors like Mexico, no season is stress free in the Sunshine State. “It’s not an easy profession. It seems like more paperwork, more everything all the time; more disease, more pests, more regulations,” said Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood. “You throw the (coronavirus) …
New H-2A Wage Rule a Win for Farmers
Vegetable and specialty crop producers who utilize the H-2A program will not have to stress over wage increases for the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. This is incredibly helpful for farmers in Georgia and Florida – avid users of the program – who will navigate a growing season amid rising expense costs, another potential COVID-19 shutdown and trade that is …
South Georgia Farmer: Need to Buy Georgia Grown
One South Georgia farmer is hoping American consumers will buy more locally grown produce. After all, the future of the American farmer is at stake. Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, implores consumers to truly consider who they’re buying their fruits and vegetables from. Not the retailer but the country of origin the blueberries and cucumbers …