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By Clint Thompson While input expenses remain high, pecan prices are staggeringly low. That has forced some growers to contemplate their farming future, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “There’s a lot of discouragement out there right now. The costs of production have gone up. The prices have dropped. Even in the face of a short crop, …
Whitefly populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts, consultants and producers report whiteflies started strong in central Florida, but spray programs have kept them at a constant level. Moderate levels of nymphs are showing up in early crops across Southwest Florida. Reports indicate populations are increasing in tomatoes, …
By Clint Thompson The lingering drought is affecting some areas worse than others. It is especially dire in North Alabama where extreme dry conditions start as far south as Hale and Bibb counties stretch northward. Parts of Colbert, Lauderdale, Madison, Jackson and Dekalb are experiencing an exceptional drought. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, discussed the impact the …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses. “The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural …
Another week, another period of dry weather affecting the Southeast. Extreme and exceptional drought conditions are observed in most of Alabama; specifically in the northern and southern areas of the state. The same conditions are seen in Northwest Georgia, while the Florida Panhandle is mostly extremely dry. This is according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst …
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Specialty crop producers need reliable information as they look toward 2024. To fill this need, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s farm and agribusiness management team — in collaboration with faculty in Auburn University’s Colleges of Agriculture and Forestry, Wildlife and Environment — is hosting the Alabama Agricultural Outlook Conference. The conference is Dec. 13 in Montgomery, Alabama …
By Clint Thompson Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner continues to do his part in ensuring specialty crop producers in his state have a sustainable future. Part of that is educating legislative leaders about the dangers of relying on other countries for fresh fruits and vegetables. At least one Florida senator agrees. It’s become a national security …
By Clint Thompson Artichoke production can be accomplished in Florida. The only concern Shinsuke Agehara has is capitalizing on a harvest window that is not very long. He discussed the current outlook concerning artichokes during the recent Florida Ag Expo event at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in …
By Maegan Beatty Every year, the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo brings in thousands of FFA members to Indianapolis, Indiana, and creates a “sea of blue” throughout the city. This year, the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in the Indiana Convention Center and the Lucas Oil Stadium. Students from across the nation gathered …
By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …
