By Clint Thompson Water requirements for pecans have not totally evaporated as harvest season continues across the Southeast. Growers should be mindful that some varieties need water to help shucks open up, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “Honestly, they probably could use a little (rain) to help these shucks go ahead and open up good. If …
Citrus Trunk Injection Detailed at Meeting
What may be the closest thing yet to a timely silver bullet for HLB was discussed Oct. 26 at Lake Alfred’s Citrus Research and Education Center. Josh Steinbronn, director of research and development at TJ BioTech, said trunk injection of his company’s ReMedium TI oxytetracycline product suppresses Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of HLB. He added that injection of the product significantly …
BMP Inspections Put on Hold Due to Hurricane Ian
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) suspended Best Management Practice (BMP) site visits to the counties most impacted by Hurricane Ian. The emergency order was declared on Monday and will be in place through Dec. 30, 2022. The counties include Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It’s been a very cloudy and humid week in the Lowcountry. The temperatures are perfect, but the lack of sunshine has plants in a holding pattern. It has been …
GFVGA’s Butts: We Are Enthused That USTR is Establishing a Panel
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) pledge of assistance to specialty crop producers was needed for growers suffering from increased imports from Mexico. Even if ambassador Katherine Tai opted not to follow through on a Section 301 petition to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry, she pledged to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish an …
South Georgia Producer: I’m Okay with the Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers prefer the current dry weather conditions when producing their crops. They want to apply the water needed which helps avert the buildup of disease pressure. It is especially true during the fall season says South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. “I grow vegetables, so I’m okay with the dry weather. We get to put …
Alabama Strawberry Producers Be Wary of Diseases
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings are being conducted across Alabama. Producers need to be wary of different diseases prior to planting. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, suggests growers apply a fungicide dip to help with Anthracnose. “This will provide some early-season protection against anthracnose and someother diseases,” …
Sweet Corn Producer: H-2A’s Regulatory Makeup is Intense
By Clint Thompson The most significant challenge to sweet corn production isn’t disease or pest pressure or water requirement, says one Georgia/Florida producer. It is finding and utilizing a labor workforce to pick the crop, says Karla Thompson with JET Farms. She and her family’s business utilize the H-2A program to find nearly 250 workers every year for their fall …
H-2A Complicated but Necessary Program
Alabama to Host Pair of Meetings for Specialty Crop Producers By Clint Thompson The H-2A program is a complicated process for the most experienced agricultural employer. It can be intimidating for those beginning users just learning how to use the program. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, is helping lead a pair of meetings on Nov. 2 at Jefferson State Community …
FFVA Requests Moratorium on BMP Site Visits
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is requesting a moratorium on Best Management Practices (BMP) site visits which would alleviate additional burdens placed on farmers impacted by Hurricane Ian. The FFVA sent a letter to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried on Thursday, requesting a six-month moratorium. “In an attempt to alleviate any additional burdens on …