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By Clint Thompson The earliest planted watermelons in North Florida are already setting fruit. That is what happens when plantings start in mid-to-late February, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “The earliest planted ones, the ones that were planted the third week in February, those …
By Clint Thompson Wet weather conditions are expected to remain across the Southeast through April, believes Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. “It was a really strong El Niño, so it’s going to take a while for it to decay and go away. We can expect impacts like this to linger for probably at least the next couple …
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 Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative members with ties to agriculture represent a valuable asset for the state’s fruit and vegetable industries. It was on display Tuesday as state senators Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) and Sam Watson (R-Moultrie), and House Rep. Robert Dickey provided updates on the key issues they debated on during this year’s legislative session during a GFVGA webinar. “I …
By Clint Thompson One of the most significant investments a pecan producer can make with their crop is with irrigation. If a grower cannot water their trees regularly, especially during times of the season when the trees need it the most, they will not be able to capitalize with high yields. It is a message that Lenny Wells, University of …
By Frank Giles Viral disease in cucurbit crops is a major problem worldwide. In the United States, new viruses are identified regularly that affect important specialty crops. This has become such a problem that the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG) was established in March 2022. The group was formed after a discussion during the Plant Health event hosted …
Whitefly numbers remain high across most of the South Florida area, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Medium populations are observed in central Florida, though they are increasing. Population levels vary from low to high across Southwest Florida, depending on the crop and based off of scouting reports. Some farms are seeing high …
By Clint Thompson South Georgia watermelon producers are behind in their plantings this spring, according to one University of Georgia Extension county agent. Excessive rains are the reason why, said John Bennett, Wilcox County Extension Coordinator. “We really just got going good with our plants (last week). A lot of guys poked plants in starting Monday. We’re probably 7 to …
By Clint Thompson Disease development is normally synonymous with wet weather. It is no different with Georgia’s strawberry crop, which is under assault from multiple diseases. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted some of those diseases that Georgia growers are already observing. “The thing that we’re seeing already is this neopestalotiopsis. We’re just trying to …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for April, 2024, which became effective April 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency loans provide access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices …
