By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
July 14 Deadline: USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Pandemic, Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds specialty crop producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility    To be eligible for ERP …
Local Support Essential to Sustainability
By Clint Thompson Education remains the key component in convincing American consumers of the value of supporting local farmers. It is an approach that is currently being underutilized, according to one Florida vegetable producer. “Most farmers, including myself, get caught up with kicking the tires and trying to make things work. But at the end of the day, you have …
U.S. Drought Monitor: North Alabama, Northwest Georgia Abnormally Dry
The latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows diminishing dry conditions across most of the Southeast, though northern Alabama and Northwest Georgia remain abnormally dry. The dry areas in North Alabama start in Lamar, Fayette and Walker counties and stretch to the northernmost counties in the state. Moderate dry conditions are observed in Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Morgan and …
GFVGA Executive Vice President: Peach Producers Remain Optimistic Despite Year
By Clint Thompson Farmers are a resilient group of individuals. They have to be to get back up off the mat following one challenging blow after another. For Georgia’s peach growers, they will need to be if they hope to survive a devastating ’23 season. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed …
Algorithm to Help FAWN Be Even More Reliable
A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting them know when readings are out of a normal range, said Rick Lusher, director of …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions in North Alabama, Georgia
Rainfall in early-to-mid June has helped alleviate much of the dry conditions experienced across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only a small portion of the west coast of Florida is abnormally dry. Those counties include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and a small part of Collier in southern Florida. Alabama’s northern counties are in need of …
Disaster Declaration Key for Georgia Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson A natural disaster declaration for 18 Georgia counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is vital assistance for peach producers impacted by the mid-March freeze. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed how important this declaration is for his growers who suffered near 100% loss. “What the declaration does …
U.S. Representatives Introduce Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act
U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta of California and Kat Cammack of Florida have introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce income barriers that producers face in accessing agriculture disaster assistance. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act aims to ensure that basic safety-net programs for producers are readily available to help full-time farmers recover following natural disasters. Current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations disproportionately prohibit producers …