Freeze Impact: Void in Supply Chain Likely a Result

Web AdminPeppers, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Weather

Clint Thompson Farming in South Florida usually provides the best frost protection. But not in 2022. The impact of last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures on vegetables is likely to create a void in the supply chain, believes Wade Purvis, who farms in Immokalee, Florida and is part of the Farmers Alliance. The result could lead to an influx of imports from …

2022 SE Regional Conference Event Helps Producers Move Forward

Web AdminFruit, General, Vegetables

The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference was just what the doctor ordered for growers yearning to reconnect with fellow farmers and look ahead to the upcoming season. “We are pleased with the continued attendance for this event,” said Drew Echols, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) president. “After our virtual event in 2021, it was encouraging to see our …

Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Produces Excitement, Big Crowd

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The return of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference yielded a huge crowd and excitement among farmers reuniting again for the first time in two years. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said on Friday the attendance was about 2,700 with pre-registration between 1,600 and 1,700. “Our attendance numbers …

Bacterial Spot Disease a Significant Problem for Florida Producers

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease remains a problem in tomato and susceptible pepper plants around the southwest Florida area. In some instances, bacterial spot and speck have been observed moving to the top of the plant and infesting stems, new growth and fruit. Bacterial spot also remains a significant issue in multiple locations …

AFVGA Executive Director: Address Input Needs as Early as Possible

Web AdminAlabama, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), implores his farmers to be proactive instead of being reactive with adjusting to the current surge in input costs. “Our overall message is to make sure you’re addressing your input needs as early as possible to get ahead of any kind of delays that …

AgNet Media Magazine Gets New Name

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

Beginning in January 2022, Vegetable and Specialty Crops News (VSCNews) will have a new name. The monthly trade magazine that debuted from AgNet Media four years ago will become Specialty Crop Industry. Not only is the new name more concise, but it also more accurately reflects the scope of the magazine’s content and audience. Although AgNet Media is dropping the …

Fresh Vegetable Imports Continue to Increase

Web AdminExports/Imports, Top Posts, Vegetables

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, fresh vegetable imports continued to increase in 2021, compared to the previous three years. Tomatoes’ import value in 2021 was approximately $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2018. Tomato imports were estimated at 3.2 billion pounds in 2021, compared to 3.1 billion in 2018. Cucumbers’ value was $0.7 billion …

Georgia Farmer: Not Going to Replace All These Truckers Overnight

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson One Georgia farmer believes there are changes that could be made to the current truck driving system that would attract more drivers. The first is reducing the minimum age required to drive on the roads, says Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Some things I’ve heard is reducing the age requirement …

Alabama Extension Touts Crop Rotations

Web AdminAlabama, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Vegetable farmers hoping to reduce input costs should implement crop rotations. This management system helps protect against unwanted pests and diseases while reducing fertilizer and insecticide inputs, said Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama during the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series. “The main goal in crop rotations is to reduce the amount of the …

Excitement Builds Toward Upcoming S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is two months away for those in Georgia, Florida and Alabama interested in attending. After last year’s conference was held virtually due to COVID-19, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is excited about the show’s return in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 6-9, 2022, says Charles Hall, GFVGA executive …