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Main Concern for Georgia’s Specialty Crop Producers: Increasing Imports

Web AdminExports/Imports, Georgia, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson High input costs. Supply availability. Weather unpredictability. All are challenges that Georgia’s specialty crop producers are facing this year. But the main concern remains market pricing, or lack thereof. Growers are still being haunted by imports and their impact on producers being able to make a profit, said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit …

Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss State’s Crops

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops, Weather

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 reports, “It seems like everything is coming in from the fields right now. We got some rain but could really use some more. I am seeing lots of aphids on a variety of …

Recent Rainfall Alleviates Some Dry Conditions Across Southeast

Web AdminSpecialty Crops, Weather

Recent rainfall has helped alleviate the dry conditions in North Alabama and North Georgia, though various regions across the Southeast are still dry. According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, only Morgan, Jefferson and Henry counties are abnormally dry in Alabama. Most of the southern region of Georgia is either abnormally dry, moderately dry or severely dry. Dry …

USDA Announces Framework to Shore Up Food Supply Chain

Web AdminSpecialty Crops

WASHINGTON, June 1 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced details of a framework to transform the food system that will benefit Southeast specialty crop producers. The goals of USDA’s Food System Transformation framework include: Building a more resilient food supply chain that provides more and better market options for consumers and producers while reducing carbon pollution: The pandemic …

Reps. Franklin, Soto Request EPA to Reconsider Ban of Thiram Fungicide

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

WASHINGTON — Representatives Scott Franklin (FL-15) and Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on May 20 urging reconsideration of a ban on the usage of Thiram, an important fungicide used in the cultivation of strawberries. A ban of Thiram would be devastating to the strawberry production, according to industry experts. In December, the EPA proposed …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

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 Rob Last reports, “As we see temperatures increase, strawberry flowering is reducing. Plants are still heavy with fruit, so managing diseases such as anthracnose and botrytis through fungicides and sanitation are key. Pests and diseases …

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Specialty Crop Producer: Our Guys Need to Make Money

Web AdminAgri-business, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson The 2022 season could be a pivotal year for specialty crop farmers. A production season that began with input costs spiking to unforeseen levels needs to end with growers pocketing some money, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think this season is a crucial season …

Dry Weather Helping Georgia’s Specialty Crops

Web AdminGeorgia, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season. Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …

Weed Management Starts Early for Snap Bean Producers

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson A sound weed management program early in the season is essential for snap bean producers. Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, highlights the importance and impact that weed suppression can have on bean production. “I would say when it …