Drought Monitor: Alabama Still Mostly Dry

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Drought-like conditions remain prevalent across most of Alabama, while abnormally dry conditions are observed in Southeast Georgia. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions comprise most of Alabama, except for an area located along the Alabama-Georgia border. Moderate conditions are observed in Southwest Alabama, starting in Mobile and …

Rep. Scott: Ag-Specific Appropriation Needs to Move At Same Time As Others

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The damage has been done by Hurricane Helene on farmers in the Southeast. Producers will need financial relief as soon as possible, says U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.). Scott made the passionate plea during last Thursday’s press conference in Soperton, Georgia. “When we go to Congress, we will have to put together an ag-specific appropriation for the …

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Marketing Plan Essential for Growers

Dan CooperMarketing

Crop production is only half the battle for citrus growers in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. The other half is knowing where that crop is headed once it is harvested. Bill Barber, Ag Services LLC and Certified Crop Adviser, stressed to growers during a recent citrus meeting that they should have a marketing …

AI May Help Kill Weeds, Preserve Peppers and Tomatoes

Clint ThompsonFlorida

First, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers developed technology to kill weeds, instead of strawberries. Now, UF/IFAS researchers are designing a machine that can surgically eliminate weeds while preserving the tomatoes and peppers around them, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor fusion. Vinay Vijayakumar, a doctoral student working under the supervision of Yiannis Ampatzidis, created …

Post-Helene: USDA Offers Resources, Adds Flexibilities to Disaster Assistance Programs

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities, homes, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux traveled to Florida and Georgia with President Biden on Thursday to assess damage …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: More Legal Wrangling Surrounding the H-2A Program

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles There has been a lot of activity in the past couple of years surrounding the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers. The wage-rate has skyrocketed, and a new final rule, titled Improving Protection for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States, is causing more regulatory heartburn for growers. The rule was published in June and …

Reminder: Hurricane’s Impact on Blueberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry industry sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Helene. But the storm’s devastating path of destruction reminds growers about the dangers a hurricane can pose this time of year. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses the impacts a hurricane can have on blueberry bushes in early fall. …

Drought Monitor: Georgia Has Sufficient Moisture Following Hurricane Helene

Clint ThompsonDrought, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene’s trek through the Southeast on Sept. 26 and 27 brought excessive rains to Georgia, wiping out most of the dry conditions present in the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia mostly has sufficient moisture, except for abnormally dry conditions in Northwest Georgia, in parts or all of Chattooga, Walker, Dade, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Protecting Blueberry Pollinators

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Among the critical elements in blueberry production are pollination and crop protection materials. Managing how those two interact is important to ensure pollinators like honey bees are protected. Recently, Rachel Mallinger, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of pollinator ecology and conservation, published a paper on managing pesticide applications during …

Hurricane Helene Impact: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Hurricane Helene cast tropical storm forced winds over most of South Carolina Friday as she tore through Florida and Georgia. The western part of the state took the brunt of the damage and large …