By Clint Thompson Farmers are a resilient group of individuals. They have to be to get back up off the mat following one challenging blow after another. For Georgia’s peach growers, they will need to be if they hope to survive a devastating ’23 season. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed …
Florida Farmer Testimonial: Adaptation Key to Survival
By Clint Thompson The secret to Chuck Obern’s agricultural success is adapting to the changing economical landscape. How he farmers now looks much different than when produced crops 10 years ago. Obern, with C&B Farms, located south of Clewiston, Florida, has kept his head above water the past two decades though the rising tides of increased input costs, unfair trade …
Embracing Change Spells Sustainability
By Clint Thompson A family business born in 1925 is still thriving nearly 100 years later. When Walter and Ernestine Rawl planted their first cabbage on their wedding day, little did they realize it was the start of a successful business venture. What started as a small planting in South Carolina has transformed into a major operation. WP Rawl, based …
USDA Releases July 2023 Lending Rates
Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and …
Two weeks: Maximum Time In Between Pecan Scab Disease Sprays for Susceptible Varieties
By Clint Thompson Two weeks. That is the maximum amount of time pecan growers have to apply fungicide sprays to trees most susceptible to scab disease. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses the spray window that farmers have to keep certain varieties free of the disease. “From this point on, growers need to stay really tight on …
Seeking Innovation and New Opportunities in a Competitive Market
By Frank Giles Michael Schadler, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, discusses how the season has progressed and ongoing trade issues with Mexico. How has the tomato season gone thus far for Florida growers? Schadler: The start of the season was tremendously challenging for much of the industry due to Hurricane Ian. The fall crop in parts of Central …
USDA Announces July 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Registration Open
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. This year’s two-day event will be held in a new location, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, discussed the excitement surrounding this year’s Expo, which starts with its new location. “We’re super excited …
FFVA Convention Happening This September
Florida specialty crop growers interested in attending this year’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention need to mark their calendars for Sept. 25-27. The three-day event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. Attendees will learn about the latest trends and receive industry updates impacting their fruit and vegetable industries. The Ritz-Carlton in Naples will reopen on …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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 Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Bruce McLean