GAC President Pleased with Georgia Legislative Session

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session concluded last week, and the state’s agricultural sector should be pleased with how the last couple of months transpired. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the session. “I think as far as ag goes, there wasn’t a priority issue or bill that was brought forth that hasn’t passed,” Bentley said. “That’s unusual. …

What to Plant: UGA Pecan Specialist Highlights Three Varieties Growers Should Plant

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Variety selection may be the most important choice a Southeast pecan producer makes in their quest to remain sustainable. The variety’s production, combined with a resistance or high tolerance to scab disease, makes it an invaluable choice for growers trying to navigate high input costs and low market prices. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist …

Dry Conditions Help, ‘To Some Degree,’ Georgia Strawberry Producers Dealing With Neo

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Dry conditions across some of Georgia is not a bad thing for the state’s strawberry producers. It should help those trying to thwart off the impacts of neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease. That is if it isn’t too late for those growers dealing with the disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The …

Diversified Export Market Important for Pecan Industry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan exports need to continue to be diversified and spread out in as many countries as possible. It benefits Southeast growers not to have all of their exports in one place, says Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. Warden spoke about pecan marketing at last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association …

Mark Your Calendars: April 15 Pack Date For Georgia Vidalia Onions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Vidalia onion enthusiasts can mark their calendars for April 15. That is when the Vidalia onion season is set to begin, as the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee officially announced the 2025 pack date. The Vidalia onions will start shipping to grocery stores on April 15, bringing a taste of Georgia’s unique agricultural …

GPGA Conference and Trade Show Provides Hope for Georgia Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Maybe now more than ever, Georgia pecan growers are in need of hope. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells believes this week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show provided growers hope amid a challenging time for the industry. “This meeting always occurs just as the buds are breaking or right …

Pollination Period Key for Georgia Blueberry Producers Estimating This Year’s Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene continue to be felt among Georgia’s specialty crop producers. It’s just a matter of how bad for the state’s blueberry producers who are approaching harvest season. Georgia blueberry grower Johnny Allen estimates that producers should soon know the full extent of the September storm’s impact. “I don’t think we’ll know until …

What to Think About: Disease Concerns for Peach Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Early season fungicide spray programs are critical for peach producers wanting to navigate certain diseases this time of year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about two diseases, in particular, that growers must be wary of. “As we’re moving into the spring, early peach development is very prone to disease. Two …

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Pecan Inputs Reduced in Affected Areas For This Season

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast Georgia pecan orchards were ravaged last year from Hurricane Helene. Growers impacted by the storm need to be wary of what this year’s crop will look like before investing in it. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the crop outlook during this winter’s county meetings. “Any time we have a major hurricane come …