Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference Scheduled for May 5-6

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A glimpse into agriculture’s future will be on display at the Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference & Show on May 5-6 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Registration remains open for the event which is expected to attract fruit and vegetable growers, university faculty and students, Agtech startups and robotics …

‘Golding’ Variety New Option for Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan growers will soon have a new variety at their disposal. University of Georgia pecan breeder Patrick Conner discussed the ‘Golding’ variety at the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference in Perry, Georgia. “It’s selected for having exceptional quality, good yield and good scab resistance. We think it’ll be a general use cultivar for growers who …

GDA’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Applications Due April 27

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Georgia’s specialty crop growers are reminded that the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Hurricane Helene Block Grant application period closes Monday, April 27. Georgia farmers, ranchers and foresters in eligible counties who suffered losses due to the 2024 storm, including timber, infrastructure, poultry, beef cattle, dairy cattle, milk loss, dairy feed, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery, plasticulture and bare ground practices, …

Cotton Jassid’s Current Absence in Fields Positive Development for Vegetable Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The cotton jassid’s devastating impact on cotton last year has industry experts alert on when the insect will emerge as a threat this season. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, emphasized that the insect has not been detected in multiple weeks, which is a positive sign heading into planting season. “We’ve got some …

Early-Season Peach Varieties in Doubt Following Freeze Event

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Early-season peaches will be sporadic this year thanks to a late-season freeze event in mid-March. The quality and quantity of early peach varieties is in doubt as a result. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the situation facing his growers. “It depends on location. …

Drought Monitor Update: Worsening Conditions Across Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Florida, Georgia

Drought continues to wreak havoc in the Southeast region. In the April 16 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, conditions are worsening across North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Florida Exceptional drought is being observed over a large portion of the North Florida area, starting in Gulf, Calhoun and Jackson counties, spreading eastward to Alachua, Union and Baker counties. …

Watermelons Flourish in Hot, Dry Conditions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson An increase in temperatures throughout Georgia makes for challenging working conditions for farmers having to maintain crops this time of year. They are, however, favorable growing conditions for watermelon plants in the region. Watermelons prefer to grow under hot and dry conditions, says Tim Coolong, professor and Extension specialist in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural …

Lab Diagnosis Needed to Identify Phytophthora in Southeast Strawberries

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in strawberries has garnered much of the headlines in recent years for Southeast producers. But other diseases can still leave a mark on production if growers are not careful. One, in particular, is a huge concern, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Phytophthora is still a problem. Not …

Insect Pests To Be Mindful of in Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The current hot and dry weather conditions are conducive conditions for insect pests to build up population levels. That’s the current case in Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed what insect pests that growers should be mindful of as plants are going into the ground. “With it hot and dry, you’re …

‘I Think We’re Okay Until May’: Current Drought Minimal Impact on Pecan Trees

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The current dry spell impacting the Southeast is having minimal impact on the region’s pecan crop – at least for now. That’s according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells discussed irrigation and pecans’ water needs during last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Tradeshow in Perry, Georgia. “We are pretty dry right …