By Johan Desaeger The importance of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) in agriculture was first demonstrated in the mid-1800s with the discovery of sugar beet cyst nematodes in Europe and root-knot nematodes in Europe and the Americas. Experiments with nematicides in the early-mid 1900s demonstrated the significant yield loss caused by these nematodes. Yet to this day, PPN’s true impact on crop …
Neopestalotiopsis on the Move in StrawberriesÂ
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been widespread across strawberry fields in the Southeast. It started in Florida and has continued in South Carolina. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said the increase in disease infestations is not surprising. “It’s not surprising considering we’ve had some weather like some rain and …
H-2A Housing a Hurdle for Many GrowersÂ
By Clint Thompson A small group of people can sometimes boast the loudest voices. For some specialty crop producers, that can impede progress. David Hill, president of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Fla., and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, recently testified to the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on the state’s fruit and vegetable industry. One of his …
Citrus Growers Called to Vote on Marketing Order AmendmentsÂ
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a referendum April 3–May 1 on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida. Notice of the referendum was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 18, 2023. The proposed amendments would include reducing the size and quorum requirements of the Citrus …
Farmer Testimonial: Local Residents Preventing Housing Structure from Being Built on Farm
By Clint Thompson A small group of people can sometimes boast the loudest voices. For some specialty crop producers, that can impede progress. David Hill, president of Southern Hills Farms in Clermont, Fla., and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, recently testified to the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on the state’s fruit and vegetable industry. One of his …
Grower Associations Gearing Up for Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson What the future of agriculture looks like could be shaped by how discussions materialize this year in preparation for the 2023 farm bill. The farm bill’s passage will have lasting ramifications for Southeast specialty crop producers who hope to remain sustainable for the foreseeable future. For one specialty crop organization, the bill’s inclusion or exclusion of language …
Sneak Peek: February 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The February issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights various topics impacting one of the most important sectors in agriculture. Everything from the upcoming Farm Bill, to the recently passed omnibus bill, to blueberry production, to the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference are covered in this month’s issue. The fruit and vegetable conference returned to Savannah in January and …
Different Take on Truck Driver ShortageÂ
By Clint Thompson Supply chain concerns continue to be an issue for business leaders across the U.S., including specialty crop producers. One industry leader believes a truck driver shortage is not the reason for the problem. Jon Kenneally, chief executive officer for Southern Ag Carriers, discussed the situation during the winter meeting of the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society, Inc. last week …
USDA NASS Conducting Hemp Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting a hemp survey. It sent out the Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry to almost 1,600 growers across the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This followed NASS’s 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production survey. Like the 2021 questionnaire, this year’s survey will collect information on the total planted …
Using Artificial Intelligence to Assess Storm Damage
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to quantify damage to fruits and vegetables caused by extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian in 2022. When Ian struck on Sept. 28, it brought winds up to 155 mph and caused as much as $1.56 billion in damage to crops, livestock and …