The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments last week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to the agency’s proposed interim registration review decision for thiophanate-methyl (TM) fungicide. Strawberry, cucurbit vegetable, succulent bean, potato and peach producers, including FFVA members, benefit from the fungicide, as it manages and suppresses key diseases. These include white mold, crown rot, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update 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 Rob Last reports, “After a warm week in the Lowcountry, we received some welcomed showers. The rainfall will aid in cultivating and bed formation for spring crops. Beds should be firm, level …
USDA Predicts: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …
USDA Projections: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …
Sneak Peek: March 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The March issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights Georgia specialty crop producer Drew Echols. Diversification is the key to his success. He produces peaches, strawberries, apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables on more than 600 acres. He discusses how Jaemor Farms has increased in size and stature in North Georgia. Fruit and vegetable farmers face a …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “If you’re growing strawberries in the warmest parts of the state and you haven’t been checking and/or spraying your fields for spider mites, you’re going to want to. Last week …
Alabama Strawberry Producer: Row Covers ‘Knocked Wind Off’ During Christmas Freeze
By Clint Thompson North Alabama strawberry producer Jeremy Calvert believes implementing row covers during the Christmas freeze event saved the majority of his crop. “Everything that I’ve got looks pretty good considering the cold event that we had in December. All of our berries were covered. Anywhere that the row covers might have blown up or were at the short …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When scouting strawberry fields for spider mites, also keep an eye out for naturally occurring predatory mites, such as the [potentially] highly effective specialist predator Phytoseilus persimilis. Sampling conducted in …
Mind Your Melon: Farm Family Launches Mental Health Movement
By Frank Giles Farming comes with a set of unique challenges that few other professions have. Among them are many uncontrollable factors that can mean the difference between a profitable year or a loss. Weather, pests and diseases, markets and finding labor are just a few of those stressors. The conversation around stress and mental health has become more pronounced …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Guido Schnabel reports, “The new year started with a disappointment and scare for some strawberry growers; stunted plants, gaps in the strawberry rows and leaves dying. The extent of the damage is yet …