By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers must contend with various challenges every season. Weather can be one of those obstacles this time of year, in particular, pop-up thunderstorms. Inclement weather can occur all of a sudden, which brings dangerous lightning strikes with it. Shannon Carnevale, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Artificial Intelligence Gaining Ground in Agtech Sector
By Frank Giles In almost every conceivable sector, artificial intelligence (AI) is exploding onto the scene as it merges into our daily lives. Agriculture is no exception, as AI technology becomes integral in the agtech sector. Some sources indicate that the U.S. market value of AI in agriculture has already surpassed $1 billion. Expectations are for that figure to rise. …
Climatologist Perspective: Quickly Developing Storms More Likely Than Those from Africa
By Clint Thompson The decreased chance for a hurricane this year does not mean one won’t happen. In fact, there is an increased chance for a pop-up storm to occur in this scenario, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “What some of the consequences that they’re starting to talk a little bit now are with …
Lobbyist Updates Growers About Key Legislative Issues at Peanut Conference
By Clint Thompson Last week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference provided growers an opportunity to hear about various topics impacting the agricultural industry. One of the sessions focused on legislative issues. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington D.C., attended the three-day conference and provided attendees with an update on …
Sneak Peek: August 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the skyrocketing input costs that are impacting day-to-day farming operations. Various growers across the Southeast spoke up about the costs, relating to diesel, fertilizer and pesticide use. Those growers included Kent Hamilton and Jessica Kirk from Georgia and Tony DiMare from Florida, who said he has …
Drought Update Across Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson Drought-like conditions continue to decrease across the Southeast, according to the July 23 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida In Florida, extreme conditions still persist in the northern part of the state, though the western counties in the Florida Panhandle, including Escambia, Santa Rose, Okaloosa, Walton and Holmes, have sufficient moisture. Extreme conditions have been reduced …
Florida Tomato Conference Set for Sept. 10, 17
Florida tomato farmers and industry specialists should mark their calendars for the Florida Tomato Conference, scheduled for Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. The conference will start with the Food Safety Workshop/T-Gap Renewal on Thursday, Sept. 10, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida.Click here to register. Registration for the Food …
Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum Registration Deadline is July 31
Florida fruit and vegetable farmers are reminded that registration for the 52nd annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum will close on Friday, July 31. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation presents the forum every year, which is slated for Aug. 12-14 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Every year the forum informs agricultural employers, which includes producers, …
NCAE CEO Thankful for GT Thompson’s Labor Bill
By Clint Thompson Labor reform is hopefully on the way. It would be a long time coming for Southeast farmers, industry leaders and specialty crop organizations, who have advocated for H-2A reform for years. That includes John Hollay, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE). He expressed thanks to U.S. Representative GT Thompson and his labor …
False Positive: Food Safety Regulations Important Amid Potential Cyclospora Outbreak
By Clint Thompson A potential outbreak of the Cyclospora parasite impacting lettuce should serve as a reminder to Southeast farmers about the importance of food safety protocols and keeping good records of food safety activities. Keith Schneider, a professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food science and human nutrition department, talked about food safety …



















