RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced the cancellation of the 2021 Got to Be NC Festival, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “We are making progress in the state getting people vaccinated against this deadly virus, but we still have a ways to go in these efforts before a larger percentage of the population is vaccinated,” Troxler said. “We …
Pecan Nominations: Deadline for Promotion Board is March 26
Attention pecan producers who are interested in serving on the American Pecan Promotion Board. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for pecan growers. The deadline is Friday, March 26. Eligibility requirements include that producers and importers must have produced or imported more than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans or 25,000 pounds of …
Industry in Decline: Citrus Greening, Irma Impacting Florida Citrus Production
Florida citrus production has decreased for almost two decades. According to Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at the Florida Department of Citrus, the two main factors for the state’s steady decline are citrus greening (huanglongbing, known as HLB) and Hurricane Irma. Staggering Statistics Zansler presented staggering statistics during the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference on Feb. 26 …
Climate Change: Weather Event Impacting Agriculture
Climate change is impacting the agricultural industry across the U.S. Increased temperatures since the latter part of the 20th century have had a major impact on farming operations, especially in the Southeast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, spoke about the impact climate change has had on farmers during a discussion with the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. “We …
Immigration Reform: Ag Leaders Sound Off on Timely Topic
The USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum recently highlighted various topics surrounding the future of the industry. Two agricultural leaders discussed one issue that has been at the industry’s forefront in the Southeast – immigration reform. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner said immigration reform has long been a hot issue discussed in Washington D.C. but has failed …
Mighty Mites: UF Scientists Provide Information for Hemp Producers
University of Florida researchers have released information about mites that could impact the state’s hemp producers. The mites can cause devastation to hemp produced in fields and greenhouses. These include hemp russet mites, broad mites and spider mites. “These pests can attack hemp by distorting growth, causing defoliation and even killing plants,” said Lance Osborne, a professor of entomology at …
Dumping Produce: Mexican Imports Flooding Market
It is the same old story that Florida producers have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to. Another week, another dose of vegetable imports from Mexico that diminish market prices. Florida farmers continue to take the brunt of financial punishment. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, confirmed the dire news that Mexican produce continues to flood the American …
Plastic Makes Perfect: Vegetable System Producers More, Cleaner Fruit
Planting season is nearing for Alabama vegetable producers. One system that all farmers need to consider is plasticulture. Plastic mulches can lead to cleaner fruit with much more yields. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, discussed the benefits of producing tomatoes in a plasticulture system during a webinar on Tuesday. It starts with yields. “Using these plastic mulches just by …
Brighter Days: Sunshine Sparks Growth in Vidalia Onions
Georgia Vidalia onion producers experienced much-needed sunshine last week. It allowed them to get back into the field and apply fertilizer and fungicide sprays, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “Growers were wide open last week trying to get caught up with fertilizer and with …
Increasing Infestations: Asian Bean Thrips Remain a Problem for Florida Farmers
Asian bean thrips (ABT) continue to be problematic for vegetable producers in South Florida. According to the University of Florida/IFAS, populations are increasing consistently across the region. Reports from the Homestead region indicate Asian bean thrips are the predominate species, though have decreased from 100% ABT to 70% ABT and 30% F. palmi. Other thrips species are increasing north of …