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Georgia Peach Crop to Feel Impact of Weekend Temperatures

Web AdminGeorgia, Peaches, Weather

By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures this weekend could impact Georgia’s peach crop, which is already blooming, and in some orchards, peaches are already on trees. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the impact that the forecasted temperatures will have on the state’s peach crop. “We’ve got a …

Hops: A Potential Alternative Crop for Alabama Producers

Web AdminAlabama, Hops, Research

According to Alabama Extension, research specialists will conduct a hops cultivar trial in the hop yard of the E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center in Shorter, Alabama this year. There will also be a workshop conducted at a later date, training growers on cultivar selection and crop management. The research is in response to increased interest for hops production throughout …

Georgia Blueberry Production ‘Heavy,’ Earlier Than Normal

Web AdminBerries, Georgia

By Clint Thompson                      Most of Georgia’s blueberry production survived the late January freeze and is expected to have a bumper crop when harvesting commences in a month. Chris Reighberg, Colquitt County blueberry producer, shared that assessment when discussing the aftermath of the freeze event on Jan. 30. “We didn’t have freeze protection and we may have lost 10% at most. …

Pest Alert: Be Mindful of Yellowmargined Leaf Beetles

Web AdminAlabama, Pests

Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for yellowmargined leaf beetles. They are a threat to turnips, cabbages and other cool season crops. According to the Alabama Vegetable IPM Facebook page, yellowmargined leaf beetles have returned in large numbers this season. They can cause significant leaf and root damage. Alabama Extension reports that the adult beetles are …

Florida Farmer: Strawberry Market in Shambles

Web AdminAgri-business, Florida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson The strawberry season is nearing an end for Florida growers. To say that producers have had their share of challenges would be an understatement. Input costs have spiraled out of control, and the strawberry market is in “shambles,” according to Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida. “As an industry, I think we’re …

Researchers Find Pathway to More Tasty Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida Grower

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers helped discover a way to enhance tomato smell and taste. Breeding efforts over the last half century have emphasized traits that are important to producers – yield, disease resistance, appearance and post-harvest shelf life among them. While those traits are important, modern commercial varieties tend to fall short of …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Web AdminGeneral, South Carolina, Specialty Crops

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 Rob Last reports, “Starting with strawberries, the development of plants is taking off with little in the way of disease pressure currently. Flower formation and fruit set are beginning. Keep monitoring crops for botrytis development …

Registration Ongoing for N.C. State Extension Turfgrass Short Course

Web AdminResearch, Turfgrass

The N.C. State Extension Turfgrass Short Course will be held April 11-14 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. Landscape managers, golf course personnel, sports turf managers, master gardeners, homeowners and residents seeking more information are encouraged to attend the four-day course. Faculty in N.C. State’s turfgrass program will cover all aspects of turfgrass management. Topics include …

Industry Leader Optimistic Despite Oversupply of Florida Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida Grower

By Clint Thompson An oversupply of Florida tomatoes has led to suppressed market prices for growers. That hasn’t deterred the optimism of one industry leader, however, who believes brighter days are on the horizon. “You can’t be in agriculture if you’re not an optimist. Damn right, we’re assuming that right beyond that ugly cloud is a beautiful rainbow, warm skies …