AgNet DEMO

Author: Clint

  • Wage Increase: H-2A Workers Receiving Bump in Hourly Rate

    usmca
    Workers pick potatoes in this 2019 photo.

    Southeast producers who utilize the H-2A program finally know what the minimum wage is they must pay in 2021. The USDA Farm Labor Survey revealed that wage rates for H-2A labor are increasing at an average rate of 4.5% or $0.63 per hour across the country. For the Southeast, though, those levels are much lower.

    Florida’s wages will increase by 3.2% from 2020 to 2021. Georgia and Alabama will go up by just 0.9%.

    “I think growers, no matter what part of the country you’re from, when you say on a day-to-day basis, what’s one of your biggest concerns, it’s finding labor,” said Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau. “That’s been the case for several years. I think the fact that we keep seeing the wage rate go up is indicative of that strong demand for farm labor.”

    The average H-2A wage rate for Florida is $12.08 per hour. The rate is $11.81 for Georgia and Alabama. The rates are much lower than states like California ($16.05), Oregon ($16.34), Washington ($16.34) and Texas ($13.03). According to American Farm Bureau, the average wage rate for field and livestock workers was $14.62 in 2020, an increase of 4.5% from $13.99 in 2019.

    “When you need hands, you need hands. If you can squeeze out the money from the budget then that’s what folks seem to be doing. Overall, nationally, we’re up about 4.5% this year compared to last,” Nigh said. “In the Southeast, that wasn’t as big of an increase; only a 10 cents per hour increase, which is a little less than 1%. That’s good from a grower’s perspective for sure. Still, getting at around $12 per hour is still quite a hefty wage rate to be paying.”

    Expensive Five-Year Increase

    While the wage increase is relatively small for states in the Southeast, a look at the past five years paints a different picture. From 2016 to 2021, Georgia and Alabama have experienced an 11% hike in the wage rate, while Florida has increased 9%, according to the USDA Farm Labor Survey.

    Nigh said in August that Florida was the largest user of the program during the year’s first three quarters with 28,005 certified positions. Georgia had listed more than 23,000 certified positions.

    “Lets say conservatively 1.5 million workers are needed per year and we’re looking at 275,000 positions were certified in 2020. That’s only 18% of the workforce,” Nigh said. “You look at long-term trends and the number of workers that are employed in agriculture, it’s been somewhere between 1.5 and 2 million workers, despite the fact that we’ve seen quite a bit of mechanization over the last couple of decades. If H-2A is only less than 20% of the workforce right now, one would assume we’re just going to keep seeing that (rate) go up and up.”

  • Gray Mold Alert: Hemp Disease Discovered in Alabama Seedlings

    According to the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, recent samples of hemp seedlings sent to the Auburn University Plant Diagnostic Lab yielded discouraging results.

    Photo from Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page/Shows gray mold on hemp.

    The seedlings and clones were infected with gray mold or Botrytis cinerea. The fungus favors a cloudy and cool environment. Hemp that is produced in greenhouses in conditions that are high in humidity are at risk to be infected by the fungus.

    Gray mold develops primarily in flower buds and plant parts that are tightly-packed. The fungus is commonly found in and between buds where microclimates are humid and air flow is restricted. Bud blight is the most common symptom of gray mold observed.

    Botrytis cinerea is dependent on a wound or opening in the plant tissue for infection to occur.

    Proper sanitation is essential in controlling gray mold. It is especially important to start with clean plant materials.

    Scouting on a regular basis will help identify potential problem areas in the greenhouse early before the disease is firmly established. If symptoms of gray mold are observed, producers need to prune and discard any tissue that is dead, dying or diseased.

    Use adequate plant spacing to ensure air is properly circulated. Maintain humidity levels near 50%. Avoid irrigating the leaves and canopy, and do not over-fertilize, especially with  nitrogen. Monitor and manage insects that can create wounds for the fungus to enter the plant.

    A list of fungicides registered in Alabama for use on hemp can be found at: https://www.aces.edu/…/hemp-pest-management-in-alabama/.

    If you need to submit a sample for disease diagnosis, please refer to: https://offices.aces.edu/plantlabauburn/.

  • Using Pesticides Wisely: UGA, GDA Offering Program in March, April

    For the second straight year, the Using Pesticides Wisely program will be offered in a virtual format amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The training, which is offered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension and Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), will be offered on 11 different dates in March and April.

    Culpepper

    University of Georgia Extension weed specialist Stanley Culpepper provides insight on what farmers and their applicators can expect when attending this year’s training.

    “Like every year, part of our Using Pesticides Wisely Training platform is to bring all of our applicators up to date on our challenges and share information to help them overcome those challenges. This year’s training will focus on a lot of different topics,” Culpepper said. “We’re going to make sure everybody’s really comfortable with the new Dicamba labels. That’s had some significant changes, so we’re going to make everybody comfortable with those new changes. We’re going to focus on topics to help every grower achieve their objective of keeping every pesticides on target.”

    He added that additional topics will include the Paraquat training that is now required by the Environmental Protection Agency, herbicide resistance and farmer health.

    “Everything that we’re focusing on this year is important to anyone if they think pesticides are a critical tool to their sustainability as they search to feed, produce feed, food and fiber for the world,” Culpepper said.

    UGA Extension and the Georgia Department of Agriculture created the UPW trainings in 2015.

    Trainings Schedule

    The trainings schedule is as follows:

    March 8              5:30 p.m.

    March 11            9 a.m.

    March 15            5:30 p.m.

    March 18            9 a.m.

    March 22            5:30 p.m.

    March 25            9 a.m.

    March 29            5:30 p.m.

    April 1                 9 a.m.

    April 5                 5:30 p.m.

    April 8                 9 a.m.

    April 12               5:30 p.m.

    Each individual applicator must pre-register to attend the training. Registration is permitted up to two hours prior to the training. No trainings will be offered after April 15 for the 2021 season.

  • Supersweet Success: UF Scientists Sequence Genome of Sweet Corn

    By Brad Buck/UF

    University of Florida (UF)/IFAS research has yielded supersweet results that should lead to better sweet corn varieties for producers.

    scientists
    Marcio Resende
    UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Horticultural Sciences
    UF/IFAS Photo 07.31.18

    Now, a University of Florida scientist is laying the genetic groundwork for better sweet corn varieties. Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS sweet corn breeder, led a research team that sequenced the genome of a type of supersweet corn.

    Resende said scientists can use this information to improve the breeding methods.

    “This is expected to translate into better varieties for farmers and consumers,” said Resende, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences.

    For the study, published in Nature Communications, Resende chose a variety that represents the foundation of supersweet corn in the United States.

    He and his colleagues used several technologies to reconstruct the sweet corn genome. By using these techniques, the scientists learned the exact structure of the natural mutation of the gene that creates supersweet corn, and therefore higher sugar content.

    “We were now able to sequence the genome of a supersweet corn, which will help us to accelerate the development process of novel varieties,” Resende said. “Moving forward, we will analyze the DNA of our current breeding lines and compare them against this genome to select which ones to move forward in the breeding process.”

    For full story, see the UF/IFAS website.

  • Preparing for Success: Blueberry Site Preparation Takes Time

    crop insurance
    File photo shows a blueberry farm.

    Preparations need to be done well in advance for producers interested in producing blueberry plants, said Elina Coneva, an Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University, during a webinar on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page.

    “For those who are considering becoming blueberry growers, I would let you know that you need start preparation for your blueberry field at least one year in advance,” Coneva said. “The good soil types for growing blueberries are characterized by light, sandy and well-drained soils. In addition to all the nutrients that you need to check in your soil, you need to be aware of the pH in your soil. Unlike almost all other fruit crops, the optimal soil pH for blueberry production is between 4.2 and 5.5.”

    She also added that it is important that farmers add organic matter to their soil. This can be achieved through cover crops or through peat moss, though it is a more expensive option. The most popular option is the use of pine bark.

    “This (organic matter) adjustment will improve the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the soil in which the blueberries are going to be grown,” Coneva said.

    She added that each 1% of soil organic matter releases about 15 pounds of nitrogen each year.

  • United Fresh Releases 2020 Fourth Quarter Report

    Fresh produce continues its steady growth at retail, with increased sales for fruits and vegetables during the fourth quarter of 2020. That’s according to a new report from United Fresh, detailing the fourth quarter of last year and the 2020 year-end report.

    Among the fourth quarter highlights, both fruits and vegetables continued to grow as sales surged across categories driven by consumers making more shopping trips and spending more during those trips. Total fruit sales generated $7.3 billion in the last quarter of 2020, representing 7.7% growth over the previous year. Vegetable sales grew 14% during the quarter, reaching $8.8 billion.

    Some of the key numbers from the Year-End report show produce departments generating $7.1 billion in 2020, accounting for 33% of total fresh sales, second only to the meat department.

    Total fruit sales in the U.S. reached $33.7 billion and were 14.4% higher than the previous year. Apples, grapes and bananas ranked as the top three categories in sales.

    Vegetable sales reached a new high of $35.8 billion and were 14% higher than in 2019. Pre-packed salads, tomatoes and potatoes were the top three categories in sales.

    (From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)

  • Cutting Costs: Pecan Producers Can Save Money by Avoiding Unnecessary Phosphorus Applications

    In a time when prices are low and expenses are high, pecan producers need to cut costs, not corners. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes farmers can hold back in applying certain nutrients this year, if there is an abundant supply already in the orchard.

    UGA photo/Shows young, immature pecan trees at the Ponder Farm on the UGA Tifton Campus in 2016.

    Take phosphorus for example.

    “Most of our orchards are high in phosphorus. Once you get phosphorus levels up in an orchard, they tend to stay there a long, long time,” said Wells during one of his winter production meetings. “For pecans, basically if your soil phosphorus is less than 30 pounds per acre, then you need to broadcast phosphorus in the orchard. If it’s more than that, a broadcast application is just not going to do you any good.

    “We have situations where we have orchard soils that are that are higher than 30 pounds per acre and your leaf phosphorus is low. What’s happening there is, there’s something going on in that soil that’s tying up that phosphorus and it’s not available to the tree. The only way to get around that is to do a narrow band application of phosphorus over the drip emitters in the wet zone where the irrigation is. A broadcast application is not going to help. This narrow band application overwhelms that spot with phosphorus. The tree can then take it up in that zone where you’ve concentrated it.”

    If farmers can avoid applying phosphorus, it will save them about $18 per acre.

  • Pruning Practices: Blueberry Growers Reminded of Important Management Tactic

    Pruning of southern highbush blueberries is required to open the middles of the plants for machine harvesting from the top.

    The time is now for some blueberry producers to prune their crop. Pruning is the process by which farmers selectively cut parts of their plant. This will sustain the overall health of the plant while enhancing its fruit quality.

    In a webinar on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page on Monday, Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said pruning limits the height of the plants. Shorter plants are easier to harvest. New vigorous shoots also produce larger fruit.

    “We want to develop a good plant structure. This is going to help you in production,” Schavey said. “We’re going to help you control that plant size. We don’t want to pick anything off of a ladder. If you’re a home-owner, small, U-pick, you don’t want all of your production eight or nine foot off the ground. We’re going to control the fruit number and size by pruning.”

    Schavey said pruning now will aid in disease and insect control. An open canopy will allow more air to move through. If growers need to apply pesticides, they can also get good coverage.

    Growers can also prune during the summer right after harvest to achieve height control. Schavey emphasizes that research indicates producers only do this every other year, however.

    For producers who refuse to prune, they are likely to meet significant challenges come harvest season. The blueberries are a lot smaller and out of reach. There is more interior shedding, increased pest issues and water needs go up because of the increased size of the plant.

  • Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

    Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.

    Weekly Field Update

    Coastal

    Zack Snipes reports, “Another rainy, wet and cold week last week. Some sunshine and warmer temperatures coming this week. All of our fruit crops have received their chill hours and are just waiting to burst out for spring. I expect to really see fruit crops take off this week. Make sure that you have a fertility plan for the spring crop. Don’t let your crop be without fertility at the critical moments. For more information on fruit fertility, visit https://smallfruits.org/ipm-production-guides/. For smaller farms, Clemson’s Home Garden and Information Center is a wonderful resource as well.”

    Early varieties of highbush blueberries are in bloom right now. Photo from Zack Snipes.

    Midlands

    Justin Ballew reports, “To say last week was wet would be an understatement. We received about 4 inches of rain at my house last week, and the ground was already saturated before it started. I’ve seen water standing even in sandy fields. On the bright side, irrigation ponds are looking full. Most strawberry growers have covered their fields to protect the blooms now. This means we should start seeing our first ripe fruit around mid-March. Don’t forget to start tissue sampling so we can make sure the plants are getting everything they need as they are beginning to produce fruit.”

    Row covers on a strawberry field protect the blooms from late winter/early spring cold. Photo from Justin Ballew.

    Pee Dee

    Bruce McLean reports, “Wet, wet, wet… Last week’s rain has caused some significant ponding and flooding throughout the Pee Dee. Last week, I had a number of conversations with growers concerning application of fumigants for early crops – timing, too wet, how effective? Not a lot of good options with soil moisture being so high, right now. We really need some sunshine and a steady breeze to help dry fields out. Wet fields are preventing spraying, hindering application of row covers and hindering pruning of perennial crops (blueberries, muscadines, and blackberries). Some crops are starting to “back up” due to the wet soils. An application of mefenoxam (Ridomil) or phosphorous acid (K-phite), in locations where root rot is suspected, would be beneficial.”

    Upstate

    Kerrie Roach reports, “A beautiful weekend of weather was much needed for fruit tree growers getting in orchards and finishing up dormant pruning for the year. Pruning out dead, diseased, and damaged limbs, opening the canopy, and reducing overall vegetative growth is extremely important for tree fruit integrated pest management (IPM). Pruning increases light penetration and air movement, reducing disease potential, and also allows for better spray coverage during application. More rain today and even more projected toward the end of the week will continue to delay any kind of field work, as the ground is oversaturated. Don’t forget, this Thursday is the SC Apple Grower Meeting via Zoom from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.! Check it out on the upcoming events page!

    Andy Rollins reports, “Found major scale problem on large scale muscadine producer’s farm. Scale was identified on the main scaffolds and also on last year’s wood. Mineral oil (Damoil) is labeled but is recommended at much lower rate than other fruits. Only 1% by volume or 1 gallon per 100 gallons of water, but needs 200 gallons of total solution applied per acre to get sufficient coverage. This is because the oil needs to get into very tight areas where the scale can reside. We also recommended the use of a labeled insecticide with the oil to increase efficacy. Once the plants come out of dormancy, other products are available but determination will be made at that time if necessary. Peach and strawberry production had no major issues to address. One strawberry farm began picking the last week of January this year in high tunnel production and picked 30 flats of fruit and is still producing.

    Scale on the main scaffolds of muscadines. Photo from Andy Rollins.

  • Seed Facility: Bayer Opens Distribution Center in South Georgia

    Photo by Bayer/Shows the new fruit and vegetable seed distribution center in Valdosta, Georgia.

    A new fruit and vegetable seed distribution center will provide seed to Southeast produce farmers in a timely and efficient fashion.

    Bayer Vegetable Seeds announced the opening of its new distribution center in Valdosta, Georgia, located about 10 minutes from the Georgia-Florida state line. It will provide access to its Seminis branded large seed portfolio.

    Currently, the distribution center is offering large seed varieties for sweet corn and beans, says Logan Burkhart, U.S. and Canada Customer Operations and Distribution Manager.

    “I think for our customers down in the Southeast, it’s a direct to grower market. Having this physical location in the region just shows our commitment to those customers, and having that local supply available to them really helps put their mind at ease,” Burkhart said. “I would say in our Southeast region, it’s interesting because with the large seed portfolio difficult to move around, but having that delivery available locally is something that our customers really need. They’re not able to store it themselves so we’re able to have that distribution center to really be able to get it to them when they need it.”

    Facility Size and Location

    The facility has a physical cooler space of 3,000 square feet where the seed is stored. It is situated in the heart of the Southeast region. Valdosta is also not far from Alabama.

    “This is actually our second distribution center in the region. We do have one in South Florida. We noticed that we really wanted to get a physical location to service the more local Georgia area,” Burkhart said.

    He added that seed can continued to be ordered through the company’s sales representatives, who work closely with the growers.

    The facility is located at 615 James P Rodgers Drive, Valdosta, Georgia 31601.

    To learn more about the new distribution center or place an order, growers can call Oxnard Customer Service at 1-866-334-1056. The distribution center is open for appointment only Monday – Friday.

    If you’d like to learn more about Seminis, visit the website at Seminis-us.com.

    Seminis is the Vegetable Seeds business of Bayer’s Crop Science division.