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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Georgia”
By Clint Thompson A Georgia produce grower and industry leader was named Farmer of the Year at the 2025 Georgia Ag Forecast meeting on Friday. Kent Hamilton, chief executive officer at Southern Valley, located in Norman Park, was recognized during the Ag Forecast event. He’ll later compete against other farmer of the year recipients from the Southeast for the Sunbelt …
By Clint Thompson Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist, believes 2025 will be a pivotal year for specialty crop growers attempting to navigate the regulations surrounding pesticide implementation. It’s what he has highlighted during county grower meetings and what he stressed during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “Everyone of us in the future, as we …
Charles Hall, the former executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), passed away on Monday, Jan. 20. He was 74. Hall has been instrumental in helping the GFVGA host one of the premier regional trade shows in the country every January during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. He will be forever missed by those …
By Clint Thompson Labor expenses remain the most significant barrier to Georgia specialty crop producers staying sustainable. At the current rate, the state’s fruit and vegetable growers are losing ground on sustainability. Georgia specialty crop producers have incurred a 31% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) over the past three years. The $16.08 growers are paying for AEWR …
By Clint Thompson Whitefly-transmitted viruses were a major focus during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah earlier this month. Squash remains the most vulnerable cucurbit to whiteflies and the viruses they transmit. Cucumber is still the least vulnerable. Some growers utilize yellow squash as a major part of their crop profile. It is not feasible for them …
By Clint Thompson A main topic discussed at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference centered on Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease in strawberry plants. One of the panelists believes the disease’s impact this year is directly linked to where growers obtained their plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease’s presence in Georgia fields …
By Clint Thompson Spotted wing drosophila remains a concern for South Georgia blueberry growers. Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, stressed during the blueberry update held in early January that the best approach in managing the pest is not just a reliance on insecticides. Repeated applications of insecticides can lead to resistance and secondary pests. “We recommend against just …
By Clint Thompson It is better for fruit and vegetable organizations to implement a “one voice” mentality in advocating for specialty crop producers to legislative leaders. One of the by-products of the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is that it allowed members from multiple organizations, like the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to come together and formulate …
By Clint Thompson Pecan season has concluded in Georgia. That means the University of Georgia Extension meetings will soon be held throughout southern and central Georgia. The meetings are slated to start on Jan. 28 in Tattnall County and conclude on March 20 in Dougherty County The complete list of dates and locations include: Jan 28: Tattnall; Jan 30: Appling; Feb 4: Crisp; …
By Clint Thompson A cold January that has already featured multiple days with sub-freezing temperatures should help vegetable growers combat the ongoing whitefly infestation. At least that’s the hope shared by Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “We’re still seeing a fair amount of whiteflies, even for the cooler temperatures. They’re …
