By Clint Thompson A late cold snap in April is likely to have a devastating impact on fruit crops in north Georgia. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, says the apple, peach and grape crops were hit hard by sub-freezing temperatures, especially in Northwest Georgia. “In north Georgia, apples, that last cold was just devastating. It’s …
Early Start for Fall Armyworms
By Clint Thompson It’s the calm before the storm for sweet corn producers in Alabama. The cool temperatures have suppressed much of the insect population so far in the growing season. However, that’s likely to change soon, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist “I did hear about some fall armyworms starting early this year. We may …
Beneficial Insects Another Tool in Toolbox for Citrus Producers
By Clint Thompson Beneficial insects could be a citrus producer’s best friend. In a time when farmers are applying insecticides to control Asian citrus psyllids, the vector of citrus greening disease, it’s important to preserve the psyllid’s natural enemies, like lady beetles and lacewings. Jawwad Qureshi, University of Florida Assistant Professor in Entomology, implores growers to scout their groves periodically …
Georgia Farmer: Labor Shortage to Have Snowball Effect
By Clint Thompson Agriculture is not immune to the labor shortage epidemic in America. Farmers are struggling to obtain essential items that they once took for granted; pallets to ship the produce on; boxes to put the produce in; drivers to transport the produce. All can be attributed to the lack of a workforce, says South Georgia vegetable farmer Ricky …
FFVA Issues Statement Following Bi-Partisan Letter Sent to USTR
On Wednesday, a bipartisan letter was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai calling for the United States Trade Representative to work with members of Congress to implement immediate trade relief measures for U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables. The letter was led by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Darren Soto, Austin Scott, Bill …
Immigration Reform: ‘Agriculture Needs a Seat at the Table’
By Clint Thompson The H-2A program remains essential to agriculture’s future. With little to zero domestic options available to work in vegetable and specialty crop fields, Southeast farmers have no other alternative but to utilize the workforce program. But its needs adjusting. It’s a cumbersome process, says Florida farmer Matt Parke. “It needs to be simplified. It is just the …
USDA 2020 Summary: Georgia Pecan Crop Yields 147.5 Million Pounds
The quantity was there to make Georgia’s 2020 pecan crop one of its best. However, the prices that farmers received per pound were well below average, as evidenced by the USDA Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2020 summary. Georgia produced 147.5 million pounds in 2020; more than double its output in 2019 (73 million) and in 2018 (70 million). The value …
Georgia Producer: Growing Hemp is Not an Easy Process
By Clint Thompson Growing hemp is not for the faint of heart. It’s expensive and labor intensive. The market bottomed out last year with excess production. For those Georgia producers growing hemp for the first time this spring, they best be ready for long, unpredictable days, believes Dougherty County hemp producer Harris Morgan. “Growing hemp is not an easy process. …
Auburn Economist Encourages Enrollment in CFAP 2
By Clint Thompson CFAP 2 remains an option for vegetable and specialty crop producers impacted by COVID-19. Growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama can take advantage of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program which is designed to aid producers who faced market disruptions because of the pandemic. “This is something that is in response to the pandemic that we’re facing and …
UF, Australia Collaborate on Tropical Fruit Research
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Board of Trustees and Northern Territory of Australia have signed an agreement to increase the development of research projects and share technological knowledge on tropical crop production. It’s a win-win for both entities who are trying to enhance vanilla, mangoes and passionfruit in both countries, believes Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical …