Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Top Posts

Caterpillar pressure continues to vary across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee-Ruskin region reported that populations are increasing. Melonworms in cucumber and squash were reported at moderate levels. Beet armyworms, cabbage loopers and a few hornworms were reported sporadically. Caterpillars have also been very active in the North Florida region. Scouts are …

Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum an Important Two-Day Event for Producers

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Next month’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum is an opportunity for growers to receive timely information about various labor-related topics. Chris Butts, director of legislative affairs with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said the two-day event is essential for producers who need to stay up to date on important labor-related issues. “There are so many …

USITC Investigation: Future of Cucumbers, Squashes Markets at Stake

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers should find out in the next couple of months the impact of two factfinding investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on the effects of imported cucumbers and squashes on the U.S. seasonal markets. It could have significant ramifications for future markets for both commodities, said John Walt Boatright, director …

Networking a Key Part of Florida Ag Expo

Web AdminFlorida Ag Expo, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo’s return means more networking opportunities for South Florida producers and industry leaders. That is one of the show’s main benefits it will provide when it returns on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. “It’s not just …

AFVGA Conference to Address Challenges Farmers are Facing

Web AdminAlabama, Fruit, Labor, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Challenges are nothing new for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. Whether it is labor issues, crop production or unfair trade, no grower is immune from the daily rigors of maintaining a successful farming operation. Next month’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show will address issues pertinent to the state’s producers, says …

Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Discuss Various Crops

Web AdminSouth Carolina, Top Posts

Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “As we begin to see strawberry plants delivered into the area, don’t forget to examine the plants for pests and disease closely. With regards to disease, check the leaves for foliar disease …

S.C. Producer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …

AFBF Urges Against One-Size-Fits-All Regulation for Workplace Heat Standard

Web AdminTop Posts, Weather

By Clint Thompson A one-size-fits-all regulation to protect workers from heat stress could have significant ramifications for farmers and farming operations. That is why the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging restraint as it waits to see what standard the federal government develops, says Allison Crittenden, director of Congressional Relations at AFBF. “Is it a requirement to just have …

Ag Labor Reform: Important Issue Hopefully Resolved Before 2022

Web AdminFlorida, Labor, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The final two and a half months of 2021 could be pivotal in Congress’ pursuit of Ag labor reform. John Walt Boatright, director of National Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau Federation, stresses the importance of a Senate Bill being in place before 2022. “Ag labor reform continues to be a major priority for Florida agriculture. Florida’s now …