AEWR Increases for Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonLabor

Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2024 is expected to increase by 3% from $14.33 to $14.77, according to results from the most recent Farm Labor Survey that was released last week. As part of the Southeast that includes Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, Georgia expects a 7% rise in its AEWR, increasing from $13.67 to $14.66. Georgia’s …

How Dry is it? Drought Worsens Across Alabama, Florida and Georgia

Clint ThompsonWeather

Another week, another period of dry weather affecting the Southeast. Extreme and exceptional drought conditions are observed in most of Alabama; specifically in the northern and southern areas of the state. The same conditions are seen in Northwest Georgia, while the Florida Panhandle is mostly extremely dry. This is according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst …

Florida Ag Community Continues Work to Enhance Water Quality Management

Web AdminCitrus, Fruits, Vegetables

By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …

AFVGA Tour Visits Sites in Georgia, Florida

Web AdminAlabama, Fruit, Leafy Vegetables, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) toured farming operations in Georgia and Florida last week. It allowed its attendees, young and experienced, to build camaraderie while learning from fellow growers in the Southeast. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the AFVGA, discussed the importance of the week-long tour, which included stops at Lewis Taylor Farms, a …

Chilli Thrips an Early-Season Problem for Florida Strawberry Producers

Web AdminFlorida, Pest Management, Pests

By Clint Thompson It would not be a strawberry season in South Florida if chilli thrips were not a nuisance for growers. But that appears to be the case again, according to one producer. “This year it seems like they’re moving into fields earlier,” said Dustin Grooms with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida. “We’ve already put some sprays out …

Extreme, Exceptional Dry Conditions Across Southeast

Web AdminDrought, Weather

The Southeast remains dry, and the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor reflects the severity of the lingering drought that spans a couple of months. Most of Alabama is either severely dry or extremely dry. The worst conditions are isolated to the southern part of the state along the Alabama-Florida state line, and in northern Alabama, starting in Tuscaloosa …

‘Positive’ Start for Florida Tomato Harvests

Web AdminFlorida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Tomato harvests are well under way across Florida. One industry expert likes the quality and quantity of this year’s fall crop. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, discussed the outlook facing Florida growers. “We started up about a week and a half, two weeks ago. We’ve had decent yields for the fall; I …

USDA AFRI Grant to Allow Researchers to Help Southern Blueberry Growers in States Like Alabama

Web AdminAlabama, Blueberries

A nearly half-a-million-dollar grant will allow Auburn University professors and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station researchers to help blueberry growers in states like Alabama where growing the fruit has its challenges. Funded by a $497,827 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), the project is titled, “Expanding Southern highbush blueberries to underserved regions of the …

Drought Monitor: Extreme Drought Conditions Prevalent Across Southeast

Web AdminDrought, Weather

Extreme drought is spreading across areas of the Southeast, specifically in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought conditions are being observed in North Alabama and South Alabama. Conditions are seen in Southwest Alabama in Washington and Mobile counties and spreading eastward to parts of Covington and Geneva counties along the Alabama-Florida state line. Conditions …

The Future of Florida Blueberries Driven by Automation

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops

By Frank Giles Last week, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) hosted its annual fall meeting in Lakeland at Bonnet Springs Park and Event Center. The meeting’s education program covered a wide range of topics, including production, labor and the farm bill debate. Leonard Park, FBGA president, noted in his welcome address that last season was a struggle for Florida’s …