SOUTH GEORGIA NORTH FLORIDA VEGETABLE PRODUCTION MEETING
Extension Education
Justin Shealey
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Statenville
Abstract
~~The Commercial Vegetable Industry makes up a large portion of the total Farm Gate value of the agriculture industry for the South Georgia counties of Brooks, Echols, Lanier and Lowndes as well as Madison and Hamilton counties in North Florida. The 2013 Farm Gate Value Report for these counties shows that over 16,500 acres were used in commercial vegetable production with a combined farm value of over $250,000,000. Eight packing sheds and three commercial transplant greenhouses also provide an added value to this still growing and competitive industry. Extension agents in these six counties acted on the opportunity to meet the growing educational needs of the producers in these counties in both states to help keep them up to date on new varieties, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and production practices to keep producing top yields and quality produce. This has to be done while trying to reduce rapidly increasing cost of labor, chemicals, fuel and machinery. Extension agents working with extension specialists from both states and agribusiness industry representatives conducted a winter meeting in January with 85 producers attending to cover topics for the spring growing season. This Extension cooperation with growers helps to increase awareness on working with each other conducting research plots, field trials, improving production practices and answering questions concerning vegetable production problems.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: J.S. Shealey
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Shealey, J. County Extension Agent ANR, County Extension Coordinator, Unversity of Georgia, Georgia, 31648