COVID Impact: Financial Sting Comparable to Hurricane Irma

Web AdminCoronavirus, Florida, Top Posts

COVID-19 adversely affected Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers in 2020. The financial impact was staggering, comparable to hurricanes that ravage the region almost every year. Christa Court, an assistant professor of regional economics at the University of Florida/IFAS, compares the pandemic’s impact to Hurricane Irma, which impacted the state in 2017. “The one that I typically compare it to …

Agriculture Address: Troxler Remarks About Industry in North Carolina

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By Ashley Robinson North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler praised the state’s agricultural sector for its continued prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic during his annual State of Agriculture Address. “I am proud of the work that we’ve done to grow agriculture markets, preserve our farmland, protect our food supply and help position the next generation for success,” said Troxler during …

Crop Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Latest Developments Across State

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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-3/1/21 Coastal Rob Last reports, “Following a few days of warmer conditions, crops are moving on strongly. Flowering and fruit set is occurring in strawberry crops. At present, spider mites in treated crops are at …

Sweet Success: Syngenta Watermelon Excursion Excels in Diverse Climates

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Watermelon research remains a key focus for scientists at Syngenta. Watermelon varieties need to withstand any type of diverse climate, especially for growers in Florida, Georgia, Indiana and California. Rebecca Wente-Naylor, breeding trial specialist at Syngenta, discussed the challenges of finding new varieties amid climate change during an American Seed Trade Association webinar. “With climate change, we’re already seeing a …

Knowing Nitrogen: How Much Should Pecan Producers Apply?

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan, Top Posts

One of University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells’ points of emphasis this winter has been the need for growers to cut costs, not corners amid low prices. One way to do that is by considering how much nitrogen is needed and in what form. Wells provides insight for growers who need to save money every chance they …

Wacky Weather: Alabama Planting Season Nears Amid Excessive Rainfall, Drought

Web AdminAlabama, Top Posts, Vegetables, Weather

Planting season nears for Alabama vegetable producers. Once again, weather will play a key role as farmers prepare to plant this spring’s crops. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, implores producers to wait until soil temperatures increase above a certain level and stay that way for several days straight. That will be a better environment for seed to germinate and …

QLA Deadline: Pecan Producers Reminded to Sign Up

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan, Top Posts, Weather

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells encourages producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) program. The deadline for the USDA program, which provides assistance to farmers who suffered eligible losses due to natural disasters in 2018 and 2019, is Friday, March 5. Wells reminded growers of the program in the UGA Pecan Extension blog. Hurricane …

What’s Next? Georgia Producer Concerned About Future of American Farmer

Web AdminFlorida, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

Georgia vegetable producer Sam Watson may not be a blueberry farmer, but he had a vested interest in the International Trade Commission’s recent decision regarding the impact of blueberry imports. Watson, like his farming brethren, was disappointed that the ITC did not find that imports do have a significant injury to the domestic industry. “It’s just really frustrating and disheartening. …

Sneak Peek: March 2021 VSCNews Magazine

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The March issue of VSCNews Magazine targets the best pest management practices for growers. Asian vegetable production is blooming in Florida. As the industry flourishes, so are nematodes. Since most Asian vegetable crops do not have a pesticide label, researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) investigate non-chemical nematode management methods to control the …