By Clint Thompson One South Georgia muscadine producer continues to educate consumers about the grape, especially its many health benefits. Gary Paulk, CEO of Paulk Vineyards in Wray, Georgia, attended last months’ IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta. Like other businesses in attendance, Paulk used the two-day event to market his crop and inform consumers about the sweet-tasting …
Pecan Prices Are Historically Low: Why?
By Clint Thompson Pecan prices are historically low across the country. Growers are losing money if they sell their crop at the current marketed price. “I heard (Monday) from a grower that was offered $1.50 for Desirables. You’re losing money big time at a $1.50 on Desirables,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells may have an …
IFPA CEO Discusses DOL Lawsuit
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Labor’s recent regulations regarding “Worker Protection Rules” was the last straw for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Along with nine co-plantiffs, which includes the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the IFPA filed a lawsuit against the DOL’s (DOL) unconstitutional regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech of farmers. IFPA CEO …
Protecting Our Produce Act to Be Included in Farm Bill Discussions
By Clint Thompson The plan to implement the Protecting Our Produce Act is for Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02) to include it in the next farm bill. When that bill gets passed remains a point of contention for legislative leaders, with the elections this week. Ossoff and Bishop voiced their concerns over the looming farm bill, which …
Correct Diagnosis Needed to Differentiate Phytophthora From Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Strawberry production is underway across the Southeast. Though much of the region is in the midst of prolonged dry conditions, disease management figures to play a pivotal role for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. One disease that producers need to be mindful of is phytophthora. Amid the overwhelming concerns farmers had about neopestalotiopsis prior to planting …
Market Confusion: Pecan Prices Low Despite Diminished Supply, Strong Demand
Crop markets usually operate on the law of supply and demand. That’s not the case with the current pecan market, however. Amid staggering crop losses to Georgia’s pecan crop following Hurricane Helene, along with continued strong demand, prices are devastatingly low for producers in the Southeast. “Morale is very low right now,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …
Georgia Citrus Crop Outlook Following Hurricane Helene
More than a month removed from Hurricane Helene, Georgia citrus growers have a better idea of the impact the devastating storm had on this year’s crop. All things considered, Georgia growers are fortunate with the fruit that is still left to be harvested, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Everything we’ve heard so far is that …
Disease Concerns for Georgia Growers
Not all citrus disease concerns center around huanglongbing (HLB). While HLB disease garners much of the headlines because of its devastation to Florida’s citrus crop, growers in the cold-hardy citrus region should be mindful of other diseases that can devastate a crop if left untreated. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, highlighted some of …
Farmer Following Two Hurricanes: It’s A Lot to Take
By Clint Thompson One major hurricane is enough to devastate a farming operation. How about two in less than a two-week span? It’s enough to rattle any specialty crop producer. L&M Family Farms has farming operations throughout Florida and one in Georgia. It was hit hard by Hurricane Helene when it moved through North Florida and South Georgia on Sept. …
Hurricane Helene Impact: Mental Health a Top Priority for Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene’s financial impact on Georgia farmers is staggering. The storm’s effect on the producers’ psyches is just as devastating. At a time when specialty crop growers are still assessing damages and calculating losses following the storm’s trek through Georgia on Sept. 26 and 27, producers are called to keep tabs on the mental well being of …



















