By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers prefer weather conditions to stay as dry as possible during harvest time. Needless to say, this summer has been anything but ideal for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Persistent rains, increased disease pressure and diminishing market prices have added up to a challenging couple of months, says Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate …
Less Hemp Acreage in Alabama Amid Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson If growers’ hemp crops are not planted by now, it is likely too late. Alabama Extension does not encourage growers to pursue planting their crop after June. “I don’t love the idea of planting in July at all,” said Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “We had some stuff go in at the end …
Papaya Popularity Prompts UF/IFAS Research Trial
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Popularity in papaya prompted University of Florida scientists to conduct a research trial. The results, just published in Scientia Horticulturae, examines 21 different varieties ripe for growing in South Florida for fruit quality, aroma, plant height and yield components. “This research is timely as growers are looking for higher value crops that resonate with consumers,” said Alan …
Georgia Farmer: Market is Still Cheap
By Clint Thompson Long-time vegetable farmer Sam Watson has experienced a lot during his time growing produce in Colquitt County, Georgia. But even this season provided a first for him. “I’ve never seen it this cheap, this long on so many different items,” said Watson, managing partner of Chill C Farms, who produces squash, zucchini, bell pepper, cabbage, eggplant and …
Show Director: Growers Excited About Expo’s Return This Year
By Clint Thompson Growers and industry leaders are ready for the return of the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo in August, says Josh McGill, show director. After being held virtually in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual two-day event returns in-person this year. “Not only are we excited but the exhibitors are excited. The sponsors and growers we’ve …
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 …
Final Citrus Forecast Released
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its final citrus production forecast on Monday. The 2020-2021 Florida orange forecast is 52.8 million boxes, edged out by California’s 54.5 million boxes. Texas oranges remained at 1.05 million boxes. Click on citrusindustry.net to see about in-depth forecasts for oranges, grapefruit, lemons and tangerines. The first forecast of the 2021-2022 season will be released …
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 …
Cover Crops: Benefit Now and in the Future
By Clint Thompson Most South Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers don’t utilize cover crops during the summer. University of Florida/IFAS research might change that philosophy in the future. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, has a year and a half of research data that point to multiple advantages that cover crops …
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 …