Crop loss estimates are starting to filter in following Hurricane Ian’s impact in late September. The damages are devastating for some specialty crop producers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable crop losses were high in the Hillsborough/Manatee area. Some locations experienced flooding, while others had wind damage. Assessments show losses between 50% and 100% in planted …
Georgia’s Vidalia Onion Plants Spared by Ian
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers were fortunate that Hurricane Ian skirted the Southeast Georgia region and spared this year’s seedlings that were in the ground. Instead of heavy rains and high winds that were felt in some areas in Florida, the Vidalia onion region received some winds but dodged any major impact, says Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman. …
Clemson Extension Agent: We Were Pretty Lucky
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impact on South Carolina was felt worse in counties along the Atlantic Coast, though the storm provided the state with much needed rainfall. Bruce McLean, Clemson Extension area commercial horticulture agent in the Pee Dee Region, said specialty crop growers were fortunate there was not any worse damage than what occurred. “For the most part …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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, “We received some welcomed rainfall during last weekend’s storm system; amounts were variable across the area, with an inch being the most common. The precipitation allowed for bed formation operations to continue …
Florida Strawberry Growers Association: ‘We’re Just Thankful’
By Clint Thompson Timing can be everything to the success of a crop. If Hurricane Ian had arrived in Florida a week later for example, the state’s strawberry crop could have sustained considerable damage. As it stood, few, if any plants were in the ground last week when the hurricane ravaged the state. Florida producers were fortunate, says Brianne Reichenbach, …
N.C. Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler Comments on Waiving Motor Vehicle Regulations to Help Farmers
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Roy Cooper’s issuance of Executive Order 270 in preparation for Hurricane Ian: “As we have learned over the years of dealing with hurricanes and tropical storms bearing heavy rain, preparing for storms ahead of time can help limit damage. The waiving of some motor vehicle regulations related to …
Commissioner Fried Shares USDA Hurricane Preparation, Recovery Reminders for Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried shared important reminders with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from Hurricane Ian. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including meeting points, emergency contact lists, and alternate evacuation routes in case infrastructure …
Florida Agriculture Braces for Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian approaches landfall this week, state agriculture associations and agencies are springing into action to prepare for the storm. Several events schedule for the week have been cancelled or postponed, including Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Labor Relations Forum planned for Sept. 28-30 in Orlando. The association will provide further information on new dates for the event. Matt …