Grower Calls for H-2A Fix, Labor Reform

Jim Rogers Labor

By Frank Giles There’s a farm labor crisis facing American agriculture. Adam Lytch was among the growers who took that message to Washington, D.C., on May 31 to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Lytch, regional manager at L&M Farms, called on lawmakers to consider comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the needs of farmers who grow the domestic food supply. Lytch, …

Drought Monitor: Minimal Drought Conditions Observed in Southeast

Jim Rogers Drought, Weather

Drought-like conditions that were widespread across the Southeast have dissipated in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The only remaining dry conditions in Florida are located along the west coast. Severe dry conditions start as far north as Levy County and stretch southward to Manatee, Sarasota and De Soto counties. Abnormally dry conditions are also observed as far …

Management Tips for Reusing Plastic Mulch in Fall

Jim Rogers Alabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension recommends that vegetable growers re-use their plastic mulch in the fall. But there are management strategies that producers need to utilize to make it a worthwhile strategy. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, focused on plastic mulches during a recent webinar. “Using plastic mulch for a second crop is a good approach for the …

gardening

Specialty Crop’s Importance to Georgia

Jim Rogers Georgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s specialty crop sector remains vital to the state’s economy. Its value continues to grow in importance, according to Ben Campbell, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Ag and Applied Economics Department. “Specialty crops are a big player in the Ag industry. You think of greenhouses, you think of …

Early Start to Hurricane Season?

Jim Rogers Weather

By Clint Thompson An early start to the hurricane season is not out of the question for the Southeast. In fact, it could be expected for the region considering how warm the ocean waters are currently in the Gulf of Mexico. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, highlights what fruit and vegetable producers should expect from this year’s …

close up photo of sliced watermelon

North Florida Melon Producers Reaping Benefits of High Demand

Jim Rogers Florida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers are in prime position to reap the benefits of the current market demand. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, explains how his region’s producers want harvests to remain fruitful as long as possible. “With the demand so strong, South …

blueberry

Blueberry Management Options for June

Jim Rogers Blueberries, Florida

Florida blueberry producers just completed their harvests for the 2023 season. But plans are already being made for the ’24 crop. Disease and pest management are key to a successful season next year. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences scientists encourage growers to scout for algal stem blotch. If farmers observe the disease, they should prune out …