Drier Than Usual: UGA Extension Ag Climatologist Discusses Current Drought

Clint ThompsonDrought, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The fall part of the year is normally a dry time for the Southeast region. This year’s conditions have been drier than normal, however, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re a little stymied right now because a lot of the maps we usually look at haven’t been updated by NOAA which …

cold-hardy

Cold-Hardy Citrus Harvest Begins Early

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Harvesting

The anticipated disappointment has become a reality for cold-hardy citrus growers; satsuma mandarins are in short supply. The predominant citrus variety grown in the region will not have much of a crop this season as harvests have already begun across the cold-hardy region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. As expected, citrus volume will be short, mostly due …

H-2A Application Processing Resumes Amid Government Shutdown

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …

November Management Tips for Blueberry Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers management tips for blueberry growers in November. Growers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. As far as insect pests, producers should begin monitoring for blueberry gall midge and spray recommended insecticides when adults are seen. If traps are not being implemented, spray right before floral …

Important Investment: UF/IFAS Groundbreaking Slated for New AI Center

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The groundbreaking for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida. Scott Angle, UF/IFAS Senior Vice President, discussed the historic groundbreaking, which supports UF/IFAS as the Silicon Valley of Agriculture. …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Global Blueberry Production Challenges Domestic Market

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

By Frank Giles The global blueberry market has been evolving over the past 20 years. The fruit has grown in popularity with consumers worldwide. This is a good thing, but it has presented challenges for growers in the Southeast as increased production across the globe competes to supply the demand. Zhengfei Guan, associate professor of economics with the University of …

Strawberry Planting Season: Management Strategy with Neopestalotiopsis Disease

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson How Southeast strawberry growers manage their crops for Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) this year will largely depend on the cleanliness of the plants being brought into the region and the history of the disease in their fields. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted the disease and current management strategies in the UGA Extension …

Fort Pierce Research Center to Host Open House

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) will host its annual open house on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2199 South Rock Road in Fort Pierce. It will offer tours of the research facility, interactive workshops and glasses of fresh orange juice. The event provides …

freeze tolerance

Freeze Tolerance Is Key to Diversification

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Research, Varieties

Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …

Specialty Crop Hearing: Congressional Assistance Needed for Mechanization Research

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Labor needs remain the top concern for specialty crop growers. That means investments in automation and mechanization are vital to a producer’s long-term success. But that’s easier said than done, explains Dana Brennan, vice president, corporate affairs with Grimmway Farms. Brennan was part of a panel that testified recently during a special hearing on the State of …