By Clint Thompson Peach harvest season is just a few weeks away for Southeast growers. But before producers start picking this year’s crop, they need to be managing this season’s insect pests. Two come to mind, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Now that we are really in the …
Warmer, Wetter Conditions Expected in Early Summer
Early weather projections indicate a summer pattern that shows warmer and wetter conditions than normal. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in the UGA Extension Climate Blog that, “the early summer pattern does show a continuation of warmer than normal temperatures due to the influence of rising temperatures caused by global warming, but rainfall is showing …
Dry Weather Preferred for Georgia Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson South Georgia’s dry weather conditions are not a bad thing for the region’s watermelon production. In fact, it is what specialty crop producers prefer. They want to be the ones applying the water, says Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “As far as vegetables go for sure, we’d …
Westward Bound: Georgia Citrus Association Learns New Varieties in Trip to California
By Clint Thompson and Nick Papagni The Georgia Citrus Association’s trip to California last week allowed the state’s industry leaders to look for opportunities to advance citrus in the cold-hardy citrus region. One of the focuses was learning about the different varieties produced in California that could have a potential future in the Southeast. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the …
Georgia Pecan Grower: No. 1 Issue is Capital
By Clint Thompson The grower panel at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association meeting in March allowed the state’s producers to address trending issues like low prices and potential export markets like India. One of the main topics highlighted were current concerns felt by growers. Low prices were one, and the lack of working capital was another. It was addressed …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway Following Weather Challenges
By Clint Thompson Harvest season is well underway for Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop. Vidalia onion producers encountered numerous weather challenges this year leading up to harvest season. Shane Curry, executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, discussed those challenges, which included Hurricane Helene last fall and the historic snowfall in January. “Everything looks good as of right now. We were …
EPA’s Uncertain Future Will Impact Mancozeb’s Availability for Southeast Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson A reduction in force could mean a delay in action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to mancozeb use in grapes. The Trump administration has stated in the past its intent to fire more than 1,000 scientists in the EPA’s research arm. That could significantly impact its ability to follow through on items that are …
Above Average Tropical Season Expected
By Clint Thompson Another active tropical season awaits the Southeast this summer. While not as active as last year, predictions by Colorado State University are for 17 total named storms in the Atlantic Basin, nine hurricanes and four that are Category 3 or higher. In comparison, there were 18 storms in 2024, 11 hurricanes and five that were at least …
NPF/PAC’s Importance to Pecan Industry
By Clint Thompson The National Pecan Federation’s (NPF) Political Action Committee (PAC) is essential to the future of the industry in the Southeast. Growers in Alabama and Georgia need PAC to have a seat at the table when dealing with lawmakers who could shape the industry’s future. Georgia grower Marianne Brown was part of a panel discussion at this year’s …
Florida Tomato Exchange Not Supporting Any New New Suspension Agreement
By Clint Thompson The next 90 days are critical for the domestic tomato industry. That is how Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, views the next three months following Monday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) would terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. Guenther believes the …