Some things are inevitable every year for Southeast peach producers. That late-season frost event that could damage peach production for the upcoming season unfortunately tops the list. Even though chill hours are no longer a concern, peach farmers are worried that if temperatures warm up in the next several weeks their crop would be vulnerable to a late freeze. “Unfortunately, …
Be Prepared: Vidalia Onion Producers Need to be Ready for Downy Mildew Disease
It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Winter Weather: What to do When Storms Bring Ice, Potential for Damaged Trees Across North Carolina
RALEIGH – Ice and freezing rain can be common weather events during the winter months. These types of weather events can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state. The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and think safety first. “If you’re out preparing trees for …
Sweet Grown Alabama Receives Grant to Increase Locally Grown Grocery Purchases
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Sweet Grown Alabama has been awarded a grant to track locally grown products purchased by five grocery store and distribution partners. This specialty crop block grant, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, provides financial incentives to the stores in exchange for local procurement data. Sweet …
Agricultural Trade: USDA Updates Outlook
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, horticultural product exports for fiscal year (FY) 2021 remain the same from November’s forecast at $34.5 billion. Whole and processed tree nuts are unchanged at $9.0 billion. Most exports are bound for Europe and Asia. Fresh fruit and vegetables also remain the same at $6.9 billion on stable shipments to top markets like …
Water-Logged: Well-Drained Soils Key to Pecan Trees’ Health
Torrential rains this year have impacted farmers across the Southeast. Vegetable farmers are unable to get in the fields to apply plastic in preparation for the upcoming season. One commodity group that could also feel the sting of excessive rainfall this winter are pecan producers. While trees are currently dormant, their production could be affected this year and years to …
Arbor Day: Celebrate with Fruit Trees
By Becky Griffin for CAES News Americans recognize Arbor Day in April. However, Georgia celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday of February each year because this is a better time to plant trees, giving roots time to grow before the heat and drought of our summer months. Georgia’s Arbor Day falls on Feb. 19 this year and University of …
Competitive Disadvantage: Why are Mexican Imports Increasing?
Statistics show that fruit and vegetable imports have increased dramatically from Mexico in recent years. But why? University of Florida Associate Professor Zhengfei Guan explains why imports have gone up significantly over the last decade. Mexico and Florida are in the same market window. They are direct competitors for such commodities as tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers and squash. Reasons Why …
Liking Lakota: Pecan Variety Generates Interest in UGA Trial
One pecan variety could be a valuable option for producers seeking a low-cost input variety to plant. Lakota is a low-input variety where producers don’t have to spray much to manage it throughout the season. It has thrived in research trials on the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton campus, according to UGA Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “The yields …
Long Wait: Solution for Citrus Greening Will Take Years
It may not be the news Florida citrus growers want to hear but it’s the reality of citrus greening. It is likely to be several years before a remedy is found and put in place to combat this destructive disease. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida Professor in Horticultural Sciences, shared his assessment during a recent American Seed Trade Association …