State Block Grants Needed for 2018 Hurricane Recovery

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The 2018 hurricanes cost several southeastern growers millions of dollars in lost production. Now, those growers are looking for federal dollars to help them recoup their losses from hurricanes like Florence and Michael. However, according to Robert Redding, an agricultural lobbyist in Washington, D.C., grants on the state level are imperative for vegetable and specialty crop growers. Redding believes growers …

Hurricane Recovery for Nurseries

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By Breanna Kendrick Nursery personnel have learned from past hurricanes that preparedness is essential to storm recovery. Thomas Yeager, professor in the environmental horticulture department at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), recently spoke about nursery recovery. He presented at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Southeast Climate Hub and UF workshop called “Building Agricultural Resilience …

UF/IFAS Experts: Growers Ready for Freezes

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When the next frost threatens Florida’s crops, growers will do their best to make sure your favorite foods are protected from the potentially crippling chill, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts. For example, citrus growers use wind machines and micro-sprinklers to ensure freezing temperatures don’t ruin the fruit, said Chris Oswalt, a …

Storm Preparation and Recovery for Avocado Trees

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By Breanna Kendrick Prior to a storm, it is recommended that avocado growers have a tree-size management program in place. The purpose is to ensure trees are not getting too tall or too wide. Trees that have been maintained at the proper size are easier to pick, easier to spray and are much more efficient economically and physically to harvest. …

Southeast Climate Hub Developing Hurricane Manual for Landowners

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Southeastern agriculture is faced with many challenges, including hurricanes. Most recently, Hurricanes Irma, Florence and Michael have devastated sectors of southeastern agriculture. Steven McNulty, director of the Southeast U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Climate Hub, wants to help farmers prepare their land as best as they can before a storm hits. McNulty organized a recent meeting in Gainesville to gauge …

Hurricane-Ravaged Florida Farmers Wonder Who’s Listening

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By Gary Cooper While much of mainstream news seems to be stuck on mid-term campaign coverage, thousands of rural farm families severely impacted by Hurricane Michael are starting to wonder if their words are even being heard. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam hosted an agricultural listening session late Tuesday afternoon in Blountstown that attracted several hundred family farmers to share …

Putnam Hosts Listening Session on Hurricane Michael Damage

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By Gary Cooper Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam opened to a packed house in Blountstown, FL late Tuesday afternoon. Area residents participated in a listening session hosted by his department. Reviewing the latest information available regarding damage assessments, Putnam pointed out there has been devastating damage to many crops including some that have no established programs in place to help …

Alabama Extension Puts All Hands on Deck After Michael

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Hurricane Michael blew through the Southeastern region in early October. Vegetable growers in Georgia are still suffering from sunburnt peppers, and Florida growers are facing up to 100 percent crop loss. In Alabama, cotton seemed to take the worst hit in the southeastern corner of the state. Hurricane Michael also devastated greenhouses, cucumbers, tomatoes and several Alabama Extension research plots. …

Panhandle Growers See Major Losses from Michael

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By Breanna Kendrick Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle hard. Farmers across this region have lost some, if not all, of their crops. Josh Freeman, associate professor of horticultural sciences at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, surveyed the area of Gadsden and Jackson counties for crop damages. …

Georgia Vegetable Grower Discusses Hurricane Damage

Web AdminProduce, Top Posts, Vegetables, Weather

Hurricane Michael decimated multiple sectors of Georgia agriculture, ranging from cotton to pecans. One industry that was heavily impacted was vegetables. What was supposed to be a banner fall season for Georgia growers has turned into devastation. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black says that while the economic damages of vegetables are smaller than other commodities like peanuts or cotton, …