By Clint Thompson Mathews Paret’s appointment as the new head of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathology department starts on Sept. 15. It is a critical time for Paret to take over the department considering the plethora of plant diseases that specialty crop growers must manage every year in Florida. “It’s a department …
USDA Survey to Help Forecast 2023 Pecan Crop
Pecan producers in Georgia, Alabama and other producing states will receive a survey in the mail in late September from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from the survey will help forecast pecan production for the upcoming season. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia, and it is …
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Hurricane Idalia Aftermath: North Florida Infrastructure Impacted Significantly
By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
What’s Going on? 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 Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
USDA Announces September 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for September 2023, which became effective Sept. 1, 2023. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans FSA offers farm ownership …
Strawberry Grower in Plant City Survives Idalia with Minimal Damage
By Clint Thompson Matt Parke’s anxiousness paid off this summer in preparing for the upcoming strawberry planting season. Instead of waiting to apply plastic, the farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, decided to apply it early. Since that part of the state avoided the brunt of Hurricane Idalia last week, the move paid off and all the …
Root System Development Should Be Key Focus of Pecan Tree’s Early Years
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers need to avoid “pushing their trees so hard” during the early years. The tops are too large to be supported by their root systems, said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells wrote in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog after assessing the damage from Hurricane Idalia last week. The storm led to …
Sneak Peek: September 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine recaps the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo that was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, for the first time. The two-day event was held on Aug. 16-17 and was a success according to event organizers and exhibitors that made the show a possibility. Florida farmers are always seeking alternatives …
Southeast Regional Scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for next year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. The event attracts specialty crop growers and industry leaders from Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. Educational sessions focus on various fruit and vegetable commodities, including blueberries, peaches, watermelons …