By Clint Thompson The cold temperatures sweeping through the Southeast this week could impact North Carolina’s strawberry plants, which have already begun flowering. Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, discussed the impact that temperatures in the 20s could have on his and fellow farmers’ crop. “We’re supposed to get below freezing the next two or three nights. …
Vidalia Onion Extension Agent ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Following Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop had not been in the ground long before sub-freezing temperatures (temps) impacted Southeast Georgia Christmas Eve. They were especially vulnerable to temps that reached the teens Saturday morning and stayed mostly in the 20s for consecutive days. Still, any damage assessments will have to wait, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area …
Freeze Effect: Sub-Freezing Temperatures Impact Southeast Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Consecutive nights of sub-freezing temperatures has Southeast specialty crop producers concerned moving forward this year. Vegetable growers are worried about potential injury to their fruit that were vulnerable in the ground. Strawberry farmers are concerned about wind damage to their crop. Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are concerned now about the long-term ramifications for their young plantings that …
Florida Strawberry Crop Could be Damaged with Multiple Days of Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry crop could be damaged by the sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, discusses the scenario he and other producers are facing with potential temperatures in the 20s scheduled for Friday night and Saturday night. “We’re going to be running water, but it’s …
Upcoming Sub-Freezing Temperatures Should Impact Southeast Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend could impact winter vegetable crops in the Southeast. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses the impact that growers in Alabama and Georgia could see beginning Friday night. “If it stays below freezing for a whole day, that’s going to …
North Florida Watermelon Plants Impacted by Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures impacted North Florida’s newly planted watermelons. But the impact was not as severe as it could have been, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There are a few fields that probably will have to be replanted or at least partially …
Freezing Temperatures Have Little Impact on Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s freezing temperatures in parts of South Georgia had no effect on the state’s satsuma crop, according to Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. The bulk of Georgia’s citrus crop — 80 to 90 percent — is satsuma oranges, a cold-tolerant citrus that can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Savelle said …
Freezing Temperatures Mean Trouble for Southern Crops
An unusually warm February followed by a cold March could mean trouble for crops in the South. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Stephanie Ho has more on this story with USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey. Hear the full story: Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, …
Florida Growers Prepare for Freezing Temperatures
Florida is off to a cool start in 2018 as parts of the state anticipate freezing temperatures during the rest of the week. According to Lisa Lochridge, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida growers are doing what they can to prepare for the cold. Lochridge says that Florida fruit and vegetables are well into …
Citrus Trees Weather Sub-Freezing Nights
By Clint Thompson Trees in the Cold-Hardy Citrus Region weathered last week’s multiple nights of sub-freezing temperatures, according to one industry expert. “I had somebody here at the house and they said, ‘Are you still running sprinklers?’ I was like, ‘Heavens no, but it’s all that ice thawing out and running out into the road.’ It’s a pond out there …