GPGA Executive Director Provides Update on 2025 Crop, India Market

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers are nearing an end to a frustrating harvest season. Yields did not match growers’ expectations. Neither did market prices. It added up to another frustrating season, says Mary Bruorton, executive director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA). “We are nearing the end of it. Some growers could be done in the next week …

Managing Strawberries Against Neo When Using Row Covers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Uncategorized

By Clint Thompson Row covers are an effective management strategy for strawberry production in the Southeast. Especially as temperatures drop below freezing in some areas across Georgia and Alabama, producers need to protect their young plants from frost damage. Growers also need to continue their management strategy for Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) if they are contemplating applying row covers at any point. …

Neo Update in Georgia Strawberry Fields

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) is observed in Georgia strawberry fields. Fortunately for producers, it is not being reported at levels that were seen a year ago, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I don’t know how bad it is, but we do have some. Again, it depends on the source of the plants and …

GAC President Outlines Priorities Ahead of Georgia Legislative Session

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session next year is set to begin in about a month. Agricultural organizations are ready to advocate for their priorities. One of those organizations is the Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC). GAC President Will Bentley was at the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention on Dec. 8 and discussed what some of his organization’s top priorities are. Not …

Drought Monitor Update Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s rainfall across the Southeast should help alleviate the extreme and exceptional drought conditions that were observed in the Dec. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Exceptional conditions were still being observed in South Georgia in Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas and parts of Brooks, Colquitt, Mitchell and Miller counties. Exceptional drought in Florida was seen …

Dry Conditions Prompt Pecan Producers to Consider Irrigation Applications

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell across the Southeast during the fall has prompted pecan producers to consider applying irrigation to their trees at a time when it is usually not required. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, explains the reasoning. “I’ve had a lot of growers call over the last couple of weeks. Normally this time …

Georgia Farm Bureau Set to Host Annual Convention

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

MACON, Ga. – Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 7-9 for the organization’s 88th annual convention. The convention theme is “Rise and Thrive,” and this will be the 61st time GFB has held its annual meeting on Jekyll Island, including every state convention held since 1976. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia House Speaker …

It’s Dry Out There: Lack of Rain a Concern for Farmers Ready to Apply Plastic Mulch

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The current dry spell impacting the Southeast could impact upcoming preparations for vegetable production, especially in South Georgia. The area, along with a patch in North Florida, is suffering through a prolonged dry period leading to exceptional drought designations in previous releases of the U.S. Drought Monitor. If the drought continues, it will likely hinder growers’ abilities …

New, Renovated Look Expected at Next Year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference will have a different look next year that’s sure to appeal to attendees from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and the Carolinas. Renovations have been completed at the Savannah Convention Center, the site of next year’s event, scheduled for Jan. 8-10. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable …

Lack of Tropical Activity Leads to Exceptional Drought in Southeast

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The lack of tropical systems this summer and early fall contributed to extreme and exceptional drought designations across some areas in the Southeast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, highlighted the current drought period that includes exceptional drought areas in South Georgia and North Florida. “It was pretty wet early in the growing season …