General Archives - Specialty Crop Industry

Christmas Tree Production Can Be Rewarding but Challenging

Jim Rogers — Wed, 17 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson Christmas tree production is a venture growing with popularity in Alabama. It provides great potential for retirees and is sure to attract customers looking to partake in the family experience every year. But aspiring producers need to understand the time, energy and work involved in ensuring trees are ready in the fall. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension ...

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Alabama Christmas Tree Grower Workshop

Jim Rogers — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Alabama farmers and Christmas tree enthusiasts can learn more about Christmas tree production during a grower workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. EDT. Alabama Cooperative Extension is coordinating with the Southern Christmas Tree Association to host the workshop which will be held at the Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm at 3071 Dexter Road, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092. Attendees will ...

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Christmas Tree Growers Optimistic About Industry’s Future

Clint Thompson — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:30:00 +0000

It wasn’t long ago that Christmas tree growers were worried about the long-term future of their industry. But today that worry has transformed into renewed optimism, according to Gary Crawford with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, says, ”The industry met the demand in 2021 and will do so again ...

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It Costs How Much? Thanksgiving Dinner Expenses Up 20%

Clint Thompson — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving remains an important time for many Americans. The cost of the meal this year is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this season’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from ...

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‘Plenty’ of Christmas Trees in Stock

Clint Thompson — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:45:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson It is that time of year again when families across the Southeast will venture out to Christmas tree farms to find that nice addition to the Christmas season this year. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, says there are plenty of trees to choose from this holiday season. “I think that supply ...

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Christmas Trees Arriving at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Clint Thompson — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:30:00 +0000

CHARLOTTE – Fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees will be arriving at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market Friday for shoppers eager to get a jump on their holiday decorating. To accommodate shoppers, the market will be open every Sunday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. “Our state is renowned for its Christmas trees, ranking second in ...

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Pesticide Safety Training: It’s the Law

Jim Rogers — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

By Natalie Gupton Whether you are a conventional or organic grower, pesticide use is fully engrained in modern farming techniques. Technological advances have led to more enhanced chemistry, precisely targeting devastating diseases and pests. However, if not handled properly, pesticides pose significant risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 10,000 to 20,000 physician-diagnosed pesticide poisonings occur every year among ...

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Clemson Extension Provides Weekly Crop Updates

Jim Rogers — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 7/25/22 Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In a wide range of crops, insect and disease pressure is high, with gummy stem blight across all cucurbit crops. Downy mildew is also very active. Fruit ...

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What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Provides Weekly Crop Updates

Jim Rogers — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Disease pressure is likely to continue to increase given the recent welcome rainfall. Gummy stem blight can be found in cucurbit fields along with downy mildew in cucumbers and watermelons. Maintain ...

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Consumers Paying More for BBQ

Jim Rogers — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

This year’s Independence Day cookouts will have consumers paying more for their favorite backyard food fare. They will pay $69.68 for their summer cookout foods, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, based on a new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) marketbasket survey. The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $69.68, which ...

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