By Clint Thompson Imports are no longer a Southeast issue. They are quickly becoming a national issue. Unfortunately, the rising tide of imports of fresh fruits and vegetables impacting other parts of the country may be a necessary step in resolving this growing problem. “Certainly, Georgia has been in this fight with us for a long time and have done …
Acreage Increase for White Strawberry
By Clint Thompson A new era of Florida strawberry production continues this season with the Florida Pearl. The white strawberry that provides a hint of pineapple aroma when it is bitten is expected to experience a substantial increase in production in acres. For Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, his farm is increasing to 15 …
Strawberry Disease Still Concerning for Florida Producers
By Clint Thompson The strawberry disease that has ravaged Florida’s crop the last two seasons is still on the mind of one producer heading into this year. It’s largely due to the uncertainty surrounding Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease that has Matt Parke concerned. “I think it’s going to keep growing year by year. I have a bad feeling it’s going …
Florida Strawberry Producer: We Need to Maximize our Profitability
By Clint Thompson A productive 2020-21 strawberry season could entice Florida growers to increase acreage this year. That’s a concern, though, for fellow producer Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida; especially with input costs rising. “Hopefully, people don’t overplant themselves and flood the market. You know when farmers have a good year, they like to …
Planning Ahead: Strawberry Farmer Proactive to Remain Sustainable
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers need to stay proactive to remain viable and sustainable amid growing challenges throughout the industry. Consider the obstacles that Florida producers like Dustin Grooms must deal with: Imports from other countries continue to flood the U.S. market, driving down prices. The rise of the new Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in the last three years has …
Updates in South Carolina: Clemson Extension Provides Timely Information
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update 7-19-21 Statewide Dr. Tony Keinath’s remarks on fungicide stewardship: Growers who are applying newer fungicides that are pre-mixes of two active ingredients do not need to add another fungicide to the tank mix. …
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding: UF/IFAS to Offer Program
By Clint Thompson Students interested in earning a Ph.D. in plant breeding can now turn to the University of Florida/IFAS as their collegiate home. The Florida Board of Governors granted approval to the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to start a Ph.D. Plant Breeding program, which will begin in August. “We certainly have had a long history of …
Making Strides in Alabama
By Hunter McBrayer What a time to be in the fruit and vegetable production industry! We have had an incredible 16 months in Alabama since the coronavirus pandemic began, and I am hopeful this trend continues. Before we look ahead, let’s look at the industry across Alabama. Alabama’s fruit and vegetable industry is unlike many others in the Southeast. We …
Elsa Effects: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Following Tropical Storm
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update/7-12-21 Coastal Rob Last reports, “Crops are generally coming to market with good quality from cucurbits through corn, tomatoes and peppers. Be on your guard for foliar diseases, given the temperatures and humidity. There are …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “Peaches and blackberries are coming to harvest with good quality and volumes. As yet we are not seeing any issues with spotted-winged drosophila. Vigilance will be required as this pest can …