LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – While Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida’s citrus growers last week is still being assessed, producers can take action now to protect their groves from further damage. Faculty at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, and at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center …
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 reports, “What a wild week we had with the hurricane, rain and storm prep. Overall, the Lowcountry dodged most of the wind and water. While we still had wind gusts exceeding 45 miles per …
ERS Report: H-2A Certified Jobs Numbered 275,000 in 2020
Fears of H-2A labor shortages during the onset of COVID-19 were unfounded with no widespread reports of shortages. This is according to a recent study administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). There were, however, reports of lower earnings for farm workers due to fewer hours being offered as a result of reduced demand for …
USDA Disaster Relief Programs Available to Growers
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist Florida agricultural producers who suffered losses due to the storm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by Hurricane Ian that USDA has multiple programs to provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff …
Sneak Peek: October 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The October issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on strawberries, one of the top fruits produced in the Southeast. Jeff Cook and Garrett Hibbs, county Extension coordinators for University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension, along with Phillip Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, provide tips for managing different fungal diseases which pose the biggest threat to production, other than …
Considerations for Blueberry Farmers Following Hurricane Ian
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry specialists issued considerations for blueberry producers amid Hurricane Ian. High winds and heavy rains can cause significant damage and plant stress to blueberry fields. Below are some considerations for growers dealing with the aftermath from Hurricane Ian. Blueberries are sensitive to flood injury. Check fields for surface water drainage. Make …
Growers Anxious as Hurricane Approaches
By Clint Thompson Citrus producers in South Georgia, North Florida and East Alabama are on “pins and needles” this week, according to grower Kim Jones. While the crop is about a month away from harvest, it is extremely vulnerable to Hurricane Ian. Citrus production in all three states is susceptible to the high winds and excessive rainfall the storm is …
Latest Update from Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson The center of Hurricane Ian is expected to impact the west coast of Florida either Wednesday night or early Thursday morning as a Category 3 before losing some of its steam prior to arriving in Georgia. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides the latest update on what specialty crop producers should expect in both …
Pecan Producers on Alert with Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impending path through South Georgia has pecan farmers on heightened alert this week. Though Ian is expected to be downgraded by the time it leaves Florida, it is still expected to bring high wind gusts and heavy rain events later this week and into the weekend. That is not good news for pecan producers on …
Expo Specialty Crop Sessions Educate Growers
By Clint Thompson A highlight of the annual Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is the seminar program that focuses on the vegetable and specialty crop industry in Florida. This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, including pest management, alternative crops that growers can take advantage of, and various other research updates from University of Florida Institute of Food and …