By Clint Thompson Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Nikki Fried formally launched the FDACS Farmer Stress Awareness Initiative on Thursday in Plant City, Florida. Fried hopes to create awareness about a concern not easily talked about in the agricultural sector – stress and its impact on mental health. “We know the suicide rate for farmers is double …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss State’s Crops
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, “It seems like everything is coming in from the fields right now. We got some rain but could really use some more. I am seeing lots of aphids on a variety of …
North Florida Watermelon Harvests Continuing
By Clint Thompson Harvests of North Florida watermelons are in full swing across the Suwanee Valley. How long they are able to continue vary from farm to farm. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the outlook for how much longer the harvests will continue. “There’s …
Recent Rainfall Alleviates Some Dry Conditions Across Southeast
Recent rainfall has helped alleviate the dry conditions in North Alabama and North Georgia, though various regions across the Southeast are still dry. According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, only Morgan, Jefferson and Henry counties are abnormally dry in Alabama. Most of the southern region of Georgia is either abnormally dry, moderately dry or severely dry. Dry …
Disease Update for North Florida Watermelons
Gummy stem blight remains the main disease threat to North Florida’s watermelons, as harvests continue across the Suwannee Valley. The combination of increased rains and harvest equipment moving through the fields provides better potential for the disease to spread, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, …
Post-Harvest Control of Bud Mites Essential for Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Multiple control methods are available for blueberry producers trying to manage bud mites. It starts post-harvest when scouting and management of the pests are most important, says Ash Sial, University of Georgia entomologist. “While they don’t seem to be a serious issue in most situations, in some situations they can causes extremely high levels of damage. Last …
Blueberry Management: What to do in June
Florida blueberry harvests have ended for the 2022 season, but management continues this summer. According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, growers need to be actively scouting for algal stem blotch. The disease is significant on southern highbush blueberries. It will stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing, as well as increased susceptibility to Botryosphaeria. Producers need …
Pineberry Enjoying Sweet Success in Florida
By Clint Thompson Interest continues to increase in the Florida Pearl strawberry, also known as the white strawberry and the pineberry. University of Florida (UF) strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker provided an update on acreage and what is expected for next season. “The pineberries have done well this year from all accounts. We expect an increase in acreage next year. I …
Sneak Peek: June 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on Bill Brim, a Georgia producer fighting for the future of U.S. farmers. The Tifton, Georgia, grower discusses his educational effort in promoting domestic grown produce while expressing concern over where future generations will receive their food. Yiannis Ampatzidis, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
Delay in Disease Pressure Helps Melon Production, Farmers Save Money
By Clint Thompson The extended delay of certain diseases occurring in North Florida watermelons was a much-needed blessing for producers. The hot and dry conditions were a big reason why. Only last week was the first case of downy mildew observed in Levy County. Gummy stem blight pressure only became problematic within the last couple of weeks. Those diseases thrive …