By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Alabama is having a positive impact on the state’s pumpkin crop; as long as producers are able to apply irrigation. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, discussed the crop in his coverage area. “We were pretty wet in July, and that’s always a concern when you’re growing cucurbits, is all …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Expanding, Worsening Across Southeast
Drought is expanding and worsening across the Southeast, especially in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of Alabama is suffering from dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. The driest part of the state is located in the northwest part of the state. Severe conditions are located …
Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes Could Be Boon for Florida’s Viticulture
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are harvesting their first crop of potentially disease-resistant wine grapes in Florida. The first crop at UF/IFAS’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, of Pierce’s disease-resistant grapes showed no signs of disease. The grape variety was developed by the University of California Davis, and …
Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference
Registration is ongoing for the 2024 Florida Tomato Conference, slated for Thursday, Sept. 5, at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. The cost is free for employees of Florida tomato farmers, packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. Late …
Attention Strawberry Growers: ‘Alarm Bells’ for Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson A disease that first impacted Florida strawberry fields in the 2018-2019 season is already causing trouble for next year’s crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is cautioning growers about the high potential risk for Neopestalotiopsis with plants originating from Prince Edward Island. “As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are …
North Carolina Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance
RALEIGH – North Carolina’s (N.C.) organic growers can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers, who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be reimbursed …
FFVA’s Rumenik Discusses Farm Bill at Expo
By Clint Thompson The ongoing farm bill discussions were a highlight of this year’s general session at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), discussed the important piece of legislation. She believes its finalization will hinge greatly on what happens in November. “I think …
Grape Producers Remain Diligent with Fungicide Spray Applications
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension advises grape producers to remain diligent with their fungicide applications. Phil Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed disease management, with harvests slated to commence soon across the region. “We’re starting to see some downy mildew coming out right now, so we are getting some disease as we’re looking towards the latter …
Spotty Showers, Heat Trending Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson The current dry weather with occasional spotty rainfall is trending across the Southeast. According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, it’s likely to continue through the week. “I’m looking at the rainfall forecasts for the next couple of weeks. It does look like there’s going to be some periods of rain across different parts …
Pricing Produce Directly to Consumers: Farmers Urged to Know Costs
Instead of taking what the broker or retailer feels like paying, small- and medium-sized farmers who sell directly to consumers should track costs, determine what they want to earn and set their own produce prices, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts say. Growers should base their prices on their costs, said Kim Morgan, a UF/IFAS …



















