By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers in South Georgia who were impacted by excessive rainfall in February and early March could see their planting window delayed, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Andre da Silva. Some farmers could be as much as three weeks behind in preparing to plant this year’s crop, especially due to heavy rains on …
New Grape Cultivars Could be Boost for Industry in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Grape cultivars released by UC Davis that are currently being researched by specialists at Auburn University could provide hope for farmers looking for a sustainable option in overcoming Pierce’s Disease. Elina Coneva, an Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University, said UC Davis’ grape breeding program recently developed European (Vitis vinifera) grape selections with resistance …
Dealing with Bacterial Garden Blight
Cathy Isom give you some information about, as well as the best methods of dealing with, bacterial garden blight. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bacterial blight is a common garden ailment. It’s a serious disease that affects many plants, including several Asian lilac varieties along with other large fruit and nut tree species. Many plants are vulnerable …
SLE Rodeo Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns
Last Friday, the City of Montgomery, Alabama announced they were closing all of its venues, including Garrett Coliseum. Thus, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo announced it was postponing its 63rd annual Rodeo and Livestock Week in response to the growing concerns of the coronavirus. SLE Executive Director Erin Beasley says it’s very unfortunate for all of all of the …
IFAS Extension Monitoring Coronavirus
The University of Florida IFAS Extension has been closely monitoring developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please see the following resources from the University of Florida, the CDC, WHO, and Florida Department of Health. University of Florida Resources UF Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Positive Cases in Florida UF Health Coronavirus Updates Center for Disease Control (CDC) Resources Handwashing Communication Materials COVID-19 Communication …
Florida Lawmakers to Vote Thursday on Budget
(NSF) — Florida lawmakers will vote Thursday on a record $93.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes spending $500 million to increase teacher pay and bolstering reserves as the novel coronavirus threatens state revenues. The budget was distributed Sunday evening, starting a legally required 72-hour review period before lawmakers can vote on it. The House and Senate scheduled …
USDA Shuts Down Portions of Operations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they are shutting down portions of their operations. Tyron Spearman has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida …
NMPF Ready to Help Dairy Farmers Meet Coronavirus Challenges
(NAFB) — National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern says his organization is ready to help dairy farmers meet the challenges brought on by the coronavirus. Those challenges can include impacts on both the domestic and international markets. “From possible damages to domestic and world markets, to supply chain labor disruptions on the farm, at the processing …
U.S. Pork Export Levels to China Hit Lowest Mark Ever
(NAFB) — U.S. export sales of pork to China fell to their lowest level on record for the week ending March 5th. Reuters says that’s even as accessing Chinese ports improved in the world’s number one pork consumer. The USDA’s weekly report showed that Chinese buyer cancellations pushed down the total export sales to China to negative 45,222 tons of …
USDA Stands Up New Team to Better Serve Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing up a new team of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff that will lead a department-wide effort focused on serving beginning farmers and ranchers. “More than a quarter of producers are beginning farmers,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “We need to support the next generation of agricultural producers who we …