Fruit
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Puerto Rico experienced the destruction of not one but two tropical storms so far this season. First, Tropical Storm Irma gave a glancing blow to the territory as it traveled north of the island, providing winds and flooding rain to the area. Then came the direct and far more devastating blow from Hurricane Maria, which…
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The Washington Post published a story this week describing the loss of unripe citrus fruit from trees due to Hurricane Irma’s high winds (they suggest as much as 70% loss) and how it would affect orange juice sales in the future. The story noted that the production of oranges in Florida has decreased in recent…
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Florida citrus growers are continuing to assess damage from Hurricane Irma, according to a story in The Packer this week. While initial damage shows a lot of fruit blown down and trees tipped over, additional losses may become clear later as trees drop more fruit and losses from trees with roots under flood water become…
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Following the passage of Hurricane Irma through the Southeast earlier this week, farmers are starting to assess the damage caused by the winds, tornadoes, rain and storm surge of the storm. While it is far too early to make a total determination of the costs of the damage, here are some stories about what farmers…
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Vegetable and Specialty Crop Growers newsletter posted a descriptive article about growing grapes in Georgia, especially some of the challenges that grapes have from the weather and climate of the grape-growing areas (mainly in northern and central GA). In 2017 the wet conditions have contributed to fungal diseases on many grape varieties, while last winter’s…
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From the Georgia Agribusiness Council Facebook: Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc estimates a 30% loss of the 2017 pecan crop due to damage from Hurricane Irma. Trees stripped of immature pecans as well as downed trees and limbs will have immediate and long term economic impact. Forestland, cotton, and other crops also impacted. As bad…
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While farmers are still waiting for things to dry up after the passage of Irma, some initial articles about preliminary impacts from the storm are starting to appear. They describe impacts on dairy, peanuts, cotton, vegetables and sugar cane. One thing I’ve heard is reports that the pecan crop may take a heavy toll because…