The hot and dry weather in Georgia has been beneficial to the peach harvest because it keeps the diseases at a minimum, but this lack of rain will cause the peaches to be smaller as water causes the fruit to expand. The size and color of the peach are what sell, "People like large, really, brilliant red peaches. If you don't have enough water in particular, you can not produce a larger peach." said Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension...
Pasco County, Florida is now under quarantine after a community gardener in Port Richey came across a giant African land snail on June 23rd. This snail eats up to 500 different species of plants and even the paint and stucco off your house. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said, "The giant African land snail is one of the most dangerous snails in the world. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and...
A national survey of Americans was done by the National Chicken Council (NCC) regarding attitudes towards chicken and plant-based 'chicken' alternatives. Participants included people who consume animal products, as well as flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans. This survey concluded that one in five Americans have accidently purchased plant-based meat products instead of the actual meat product. Also, 69 percent of Americans think that the term...
A quarantine has been established in Pinellas County, FL because the presence of Oriental fruit flies has been identified. This has prohibited the movement of fruits, vegetables, and nuts from the county unless you have compliance agreement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Dr. Trevor Smith, FDACS Division of Plant Industry Director, said, "Our staff, working closely with our federal partners, has begun a...
This week, June 20 - June 26, 2022, is National Pollinator Week, a celebration in support of pollinator health. Gene Brandi, former American Beekeeping Federation president and beekeeper, said "Honeybees in the USA are still not well, in the sense that beekeepers are having considerable losses, losing far larger numbers of colonies than they would like." Though the official numbers have not been released, the estimated annual colony loss is...
Disease has lead to a 5 to 6% drop in hog slaughters in the past year, which has also lead to empty barns and challenges expanding this herd in a healthy way. There have been many new hog facilities built in South Dakota, where pork production has been growing at a rate of 7% to 8% a year. High input and feed costs is also putting pressure on the industry as no one wants to get into swine production and not make a profit each year.
