By Clint Thompson The next three months are expected to be wetter than normal. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in the UGA Climate Blog that NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts the July-September period to be wetter than usual. “The rain that’s predicted to occur this summer is probably predicated on having an active tropical season,” …
Farm Security is National Security
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced this week the next pillar of her Make Agriculture Great Again initiative: USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. This historic plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of …
Attention Cold-Hardy Citrus Region Growers: Managing Trees Essential Despite Potential Low Satsuma Supply
By Clint Thompson The potential lack of satsuma mandarins in the cold-hardy citrus region this season should not prompt growers to stay sidelined when managing their groves. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission, implores producers to remain vigilant in their management strategies despite the grim outlook for the region’s main …
Bacterial Spot Prevalent in Susceptible Peach Varieties
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall has led to certain diseases being more prevalent in peaches in the Southeast this year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, emphasized that bacterial spot has been most concerning, especially in susceptible varieties. “We’ve had more bacterial spot on varieties that are susceptible to it than we’d like to see,” Brannen …
Nut Drop in Pecan Crop
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers may already be observing nut drop in next season’s crop. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog that nut drop is occurring in multiple varieties. He emphasized that what growers are seeing is a “natural drop.” “It typically begins just before rapid fruit expansion (about …
Sniffing Out Profits: UGA Scientist Using Dog to Search for Truffles
By Clint Thompson One University of Georgia scientist is hoping his beloved canine can help pecan growers sniff out new profits in the form of truffles. Tim Brenneman, a plant pathologist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is training “Goldie,” a Lagotto Romagnolo, to sniff out and find truffles hidden in pecan orchards. Truffles are …
Summer Temps Predicted to Get Hotter
By Clint Thompson Summer’s scorching temperatures are only expected to get hotter heading into July and August. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in the UGA Climate Blog that NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts the July-September period to be warmer than usual. “The predictions for above normal temperature just follow the long-term trend that we’ve seen …
Grape Producers Beware of Root Borer Emergence
Grape producers in North Georgia and North Alabama must be wary of grape root borer emergence. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Viticulture Blog that adult emergence and activity typically starts in late June or early July. Growers should consider management options for the pest as …
Sneak Peek: July 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The July issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts Paul Orsenigo, founder of Grower’s Management Inc. in the spotlight. Unlike multigenerational farm families, Orsenigo is a first-generation farmer in the Everglades Agricultural Area in Florida. He produces a variety of leafy greens, sweet corn, sugar cane and rice. He discusses his humble beginnings, and they evolved into a 40-year journey …
Hope for East Georgia Pecan Trees Following Helene?
By Clint Thompson Nut set in the Hurricane Helene-damaged pecan areas in East Georgia has been better than expected. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, made the proclamation in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog in an early assessment of this season’s crop. After the hurricane devastated the region, the outlook for the crop was not great heading …