Vidalia Onion Extension Agent: I’m Optimistic We’re Going to Have a Good Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion producers are in the midst of harvest season. One industry expert is optimistic with this year’s crop. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent, said his growers have avoided extreme weather events this season which helped production. “We did have some big rains earlier before harvest, but that really didn’t create …

Sweet Reviews: Vidalia Onions Under the Spotlight on Primetime TV

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

VIDALIA, GA – Fields of green stretch in every direction this time of year, starting just outside the quaint downtown of Vidalia itself and connecting the other small, Georgia towns in the 20-county official onion growing region. Any direction you drive you see acres and acres – more than 10,000 in all — of Georgia’s trademarked crop, the sweet Vidalia onion, …

Vidalia Onion Field Day Scheduled for April 4

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

Georgia Vidalia onion producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Vidalia Onion Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, April 4 at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The meeting will start at noon with a sponsored lunch, followed by a tour outside in the University of Georgia research plots. The address is 8163 …

Georgia Ag Commissioner Announces April 17 Pack Date for Vidalia Onions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

Atlanta, GA – The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here, with the official pack date announced by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and Vidalia Onion Committee. Vidalia onion fans across the country can mark their calendars for April 17, when the sweet onions will ship to grocery stores nationwide. “In coordination with the Vidalia Onion Committee, I am incredibly …

UGA Expert Provides Input Concerning Vidalia Onion Fertilization

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson University of Georgia research into the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer source for Vidalia onions shows it is a potential carrier for E. coli, a surrogate for Salmonella. Laurel Dunn, University of Georgia Extension coordinator and assistant professor in food science and technology, discussed her research at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in …

Vidalia Onion Plants Progressing Following Recent Cold Snap

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop is progressing this season despite a potentially devastating cold snap in late January. Cliff Riner, chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee, said multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures stalled the plants but failed to have a catastrophic impact. “We’re doing okay. We’ve had weather, but we’ve come through the weather surprisingly well,” Riner said. …

Commissioner Simpson Announces Approval of First Loan for Farmers Impacted by Idalia

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced on Friday, Jan. 26 the approval of the first Hurricane Idalia recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two first-of-their-kind agricultural disaster recovery programs with more than $112 million in funding to …

Commissioner of Agriculture Simpson, Legislative Leaders Launch Hurricane Idalia Recovery Programs

Frank GilesAgribusiness, Hurricanes

The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with over $112 million in funding to help Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers rebuild and recover from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program. …

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Legislative Leaders Launch Hurricane Idalia Recovery Programs for Florida Farmers

Dan CooperAgribusiness, Economy, Legislative, Specialty Crops

The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with more than $112 million in funding to assist Florida farmers in rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program.  In …

Vidalia Onion Crop Producing Excellent Plant Stands So Far

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Onion

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop is progressing nicely with strong plant stands, believes Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “Right now, we have a good-looking crop. So far, going out and looking at fields, I’m seeing really good plant stands everywhere. On everybody’s …