Drought Monitor Update: Exceptional Drought in North Florida, South Georgia

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The March 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows exceptional drought in North Florida and South Georgia, the part of the region that is the driest in the Southeast. Georgia Exceptional drought conditions in South Georgia are located in parts of Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes and Echols counties, while the remaining region is still suffering through extreme drought conditions. …

Drought Monitor Update: Extreme Conditions Observed in Most of Florida, All of South Georgia

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The March 5 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme conditions covering almost all of Florida, all of South Georgia and parts of Alabama. Florida Extreme conditions in North Florida start in the Panhandle in Walton and Holmes counties, stretch to the east coast in Nassau, Duval, Saint Johns and Flagler counties; and as far south …

Extreme Drought Expanding in South Georgia, North Florida

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Feb. 12 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions expanding in South Georgia and North Florida and in parts of Alabama. Florida Extreme conditions in North Florida stretch from Washington and Jackson counties in the Panhandle, eastward to Duvall, Saint Johns and Flagler counties and as far south as Citrus and Sumter counties. …

Drought Monitor Update: Extreme Conditions Spreading in South Georgia, North Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Extreme drought conditions are spreading in South Georgia and North Florida, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia’s driest area remains in the southern part of the state. Extreme conditions start in Seminole and Decatur counties, spread eastward to Lowndes and Echols counties and then northeastward to Liberty, Bryan and Chatham counties. All of the …

Downy Mildew Confirmed in North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in a North Florida watermelon field, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Not only that, it was also confirmed in South Georgia as well. But growers must consider all the facts before responding to the breaking news. Hochmuth …

Thrips Populations Increasing in Southern Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Thrips populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts reported moderate levels of chili thrips and low levels of flower thrips in strawberry fields in central Florida. Population levels are increasing in Southwest Florida. Levels have increased from low to moderate for flower thrips and melon thrips. …

High Whitefly Populations Across Southern Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

High populations of whiteflies are being observed across the southern region of Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High population levels are being reported in some watermelon fields in Southwest Florida. However, scouts indicate low, yet increasing population levels in most crops, with nymphs being reported in some older fields. Whitefly …

drought

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening in Southern Florida

Dan CooperDrought, Weather

The lack of rainfall continues to be observed in the central and southern regions of Florida, while Georgia and Alabama are mostly enjoying sufficient moisture, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate and severe drought conditions dominate the central and southern areas of Florida. Severe drought starts as far north as Hillsborough, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Osceola and …

Drought Monitor Update: Southern Florida Remains Dry

Clint ThompsonDrought

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains over the previous week across the Southeast has left most of the region with sufficient moisture except for southern Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of the southern region of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The dry conditions start as far north as Volusia, Seminole and …

Vanilla Could Be the Next Big Crop for Small Farmers in Southern Florida 

Web AdminAgribusiness, Vanilla

Florida is on the verge of a new agricultural crop that could give small farmers in the southern region of the state a high-value alternative to vegetable and fruit production.   University of Florida researchers at the Tropical Research and Education Center have embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of vanilla – from developing fertilizer recommendations to developing the highest-yielding and disease-resistant …