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Commissioner Simpson Celebrates Legislative Session Delivering for Florida Ag

Web AdminFlorida, Legislative

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released the following statement last Friday after the end of a historically successful Legislative Session: “From supporting farmers by taking regulatory weights off their backs, to protecting consumers at the fuel pump, to preserving and protecting our lands for future generations, the 2023 Legislative Session included huge victories for Florida agriculture, …

Integrated Management Approach Required for Nematode Control in Sweet Potatoes

Web AdminAlabama, Cover Crops

By Clint Thompson Sometimes the management of a crop disease or insect requires an integrated approach to achieve full control. Organic sweet potato producers must implement such a strategy to achieve full control of root-knot nematodes. The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of several plant-parasitic nematodes that cause damage to plant roots, according to Alabama Extension. Symptoms below …

Adaptability Vital for Peach Producer

Web AdminAgri-business, Peaches

Risk mitigation through variety diversity helps Titan Farms succeed. By Clint Thompson Adaptability fuels Titan Farms’ success as a national leader in peach production. It will be the key for Chalmers Carr as his South Carolina-based farming operation navigates the current challenges facing peach producers. “There are generational farms where people may not want to have the same risk profile. …

Lipman Family Farms Donates $3 million

Web AdminFlorida

IMMOKALEE, FL – Lipman Family Farms is proud to have presented a check for $3 million to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) Immokalee Community Academy. The donation represents the single largest one-time private gift made to RCMA in their 47-year history. “We are delighted to support RCMA, a dedicated organization that provides quality childcare, education, and resources to children …

USHBC Launches Application for Second Class of Blueberry Leadership Program

Web AdminBlueberries

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has launched the application process for the second class of its Blueberry Leadership Program that elevates up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry. The program will accept up to 10 professionals from across the supply chain to become the second group of fellows in the program. The training, which is the first of its kind in the …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Remain in Parts of Southeast

Web AdminDrought

Much-needed rainfall helped alleviate some of the drought present in some parts of Florida, specifically along the Florida Panhandle and in Southeast Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, drought-like conditions persist in most areas of the state. An extreme drought is still present in counties along the west coast of the state, starting as …

USHBC Launches Second Class of Blueberry Leadership Program to Empower Future Leaders

Web AdminBlueberries

FOLSOM, Calif. — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has launched the application process for the second class of its Blueberry Leadership Program that elevates up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry. The program will accept up to 10 professionals from across the supply chain to become the second group of fellows in the program. The training, which is the first …

Peaked Interest: Christmas Tree Production Increasing in Alabama

Web AdminAlabama

By Clint Thompson Christmas tree sales have spiked in recent years across Alabama. It has piqued the interest of growers hoping to start their own Christmas tree farm. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, discussed the recent trend of producers wanting to get into the industry. “I’d say the interest from people wanting to do …

Georgia Blueberry Producer Pleads for Federal Assistance

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s blueberry farmers have their share of seasonal challenges. Some federal assistance is needed if growers are going to remain sustainable. Russ Goodman, a Georgia blueberry grower and state representative, communicated those pleas of assistance to AgNet Media prior to the recent Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida. “We just need protection from unfair trade, and …

Alabama Extension Expert Encourages Vegetable Growers to Scout for Armyworms

Web AdminAlabama, Pests

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama Cooperative Extension entomologists are reporting a drastic increase in armyworm moth numbers. Vegetable producers should be scouting regularly. There are four armyworm species commonly seen in Alabama: Southern armyworms, beet armyworms, fall armyworms and yellowstriped armyworms. Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist, said populations of Southern armyworms are growing, and beet armyworm infestations are likely …