By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are less than months away from transplanting this year’s crop. Growers are already thinking about and planning for this year’s production season. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what is on the minds of farmers on the heels …
Ag Economist Expects Farm Bill to be Delayed
By Clint Thompson Ongoing Farm Bill discussions are not expected to lead to a resolution by the end of September, according to one economist. “There will not be a Farm Bill by the end of this month. I would be absolutely shocked if they could get anything done. We’ve still not seen a draft of anything coming out of committee. There’s just …
What’s Happening? 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. Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
Ag Economist: New Farm Bill Not Expected at End of September
By Clint Thompson Ongoing Farm Bill discussions are not expected to lead to a resolution by the end of September, according to one economist. “There will not be a Farm Bill by the end of this month. I would be absolutely shocked if they could get anything done. We’ve still not seen a draft of anything coming out of committee. …
Vegetable and Specialty Crop Seminar Summaries
By Clint Thompson A plethora of topics were addressed during the vegetable and specialty crop seminar sessions at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. SCOUTING ESSENTIAL Anna Mészáros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) commercial vegetable Extension agent, kicked off the educational program by providing an update on Thrips parvispinus. She said scouting is a necessity …
U.S. Rep Introduces Federal Disaster Responsibility Act
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack introduced the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act on Sept. 5. She said the bill, which fully funds the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), ensures that block grants are secured for Florida’s growers, among other things. The grants would make sure growers get the necessary tax breaks from hurricane losses they suffered. The bill would also …
Drought Monitor: Southern Alabama in Need of Rainfall
By Clint Thompson Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor showed dry conditions in some areas across the Southeast. South Alabama, in particular, is in need of rainfall. From Mobile County in the southwest corner of the state, to Houston County in the southeast, the entire region is dry. Most areas are abnormally dry, though Mobile and Baldwin counties in …
Pecan Specialist: Idalia Impact ‘Pretty Severe’ on Southeast Georgia Crop
By Clint Thompson Southwest Georgia is not the only area in the state with a substantial amount of pecan acres. The southeastern part of the state has grown tremendously over the past two decade, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. That is why Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the region on Aug. 31 left a devastating impact on …
UGA Vegetable Specialist: Nitrogen Applications in Onions Need to Be Adjusted
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers should avoid applying too much fertilizer during planting. Too much can be leached out over the course of the production season, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed nitrogen applications and his research during the Vidalia onion meeting last week in Lyons, …
GFVGA Encourages Members to Fill Out Labor Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) encourages its producers to share their experiences with the H-2A program with the Agricultural Labor Working Group. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee established a bi-partisan committee that focuses on workforce issues faced by the country’s farmers. The Ag Labor Working Group is requesting input from growers via survey. Georgia is one of …