By Clint Thompson Extremely high input costs makes watermelon production unsustainable for Southeast producers. Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and chairman of the board of the Florida Watermelon Association (FWA), said there be a must price adjustment for farmers to remain afloat. “Pricing, I think it’s going to change this season, I really do. Farmers …
Alabama Hemp Applications for 2022 Offered for Interested Growers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama specialty crop producers interested in growing hemp in 2022 can now apply during the enrollment period. Hemp applications are available through Nov. 29 for those wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Applications will be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS). The application is available through the …
AFVGA Conference to Address Challenges Farmers are Facing
By Clint Thompson Challenges are nothing new for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. Whether it is labor issues, crop production or unfair trade, no grower is immune from the daily rigors of maintaining a successful farming operation. Next month’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show will address issues pertinent to the state’s producers, says …
S.C. Producer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …
High Pecan Prices so Far for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson Early returns on this year’s pecan crop show high prices for Pawnee varieties, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve been hearing anywhere from $2.50 to $2.65 in that range for Pawnee, which is good,” Wells said. Pawnee pecans are usually the first variety to be ready for harvest every season, usually about …
Farm Budgets More Important Than Ever
By Clint Thompson In an era of high input costs for all and low commodity prices for some, farm budgeting is an essential part of any vegetable or specialty crop producer’s farming operation. Jessie Rowan, Alabama Regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, stresses the importance of keeping track of daily costs. It will …
Economist: If You Can Raise Prices, You’re Doing It; Not Everybody Can Do That
By Clint Thompson The recent increase of input and supply expenses has led to businesses increasing consumer prices. While most can simply increase their consumer prices to recoup those expenses, fruit and vegetable crop producers are not always as fortunate. Jeff Dorfman, University of Georgia Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and State Fiscal Economist for Georgia, …
Georgia Blueberry Commission Votes Zero Confidence on Ongoing Referendum
A referendum is under way for U.S. blueberry producers and will continue through Oct. 22. The referendum is being conducted for eligible producers and importers of highbush blueberries to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s regulations regarding a national highbush blueberry research and promotion program. The Georgia Blueberrry Commission, however, has issued a unanimous vote to …
Vaccine Mandate: AFBF Concerned About Potential Impact on Agriculture
By Clint Thompson President Joe Biden’s wish that businesses require COVID-19 vaccines for their employees has Ag leaders concerned about its potential impact for farmers. Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), offers her concerns about the ramifications that implementing such a mandate would have on local producers. “We are always focused on how …
Social Media: A Farmer’s Best Marketing Friend
By Clint Thompson Social media can be a farmer’s best friend when marketing their fruits and vegetables. That’s the message Marlee Moore, multimedia content director at the Alabama Farmers Federation, is conveying to Alabama producers. “I think in general, produce is suited for selling on social media because it’s more of a seasonal thing. When it gets to be spring …