By Clint Thompson Labor remains a top priority for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers. Whether it’s staying in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or learning more about the H-2A and H-2B programs, specialty crop producers need events like this week’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum to stay updated on a topic that evolves regularly. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
Let the Plantings Begin: Vidalia Onion Producers Cautiously Optimistic
By Clint Thompson This year’s Vidalia onion season is underway as seedbeds are currently being planted in Southeast Georgia. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, talked about his growers’ mindsets and the industry’s outlook heading into the fall, especially following season’s challenges that included Hurricane Helene …
Low Input Research Trial: Pecan Varieties Still Require Minimal Fungicide Sprays
By Clint Thompson Low input pecan varieties does not imply zero fungicide applications for scab disease. It means minimal sprays for scab-resistant varieties. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted his research into low input varieties like Lakota, Excel and McMillan during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day on Sept. 4 at the UGA Ponder Farm …
Spray Now for Black Pecan Aphids
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvest season is just around the corner for growers in Georgia and Alabama. That does not mean that producers should be complete with their management programs. One pest that producers must be wary of this time of year is the black pecan aphids. Its presence in orchards this season makes it a threat to a promising …
Phytophthora Root Rot a Concern in Cold-Hardy Region
Phytophthora root rot’s impact on young citrus trees is concerning for groves in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Newly planted trees are more vulnerable to the disease than older, established trees, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. He discussed the disease’s impact during the Citrus Grower’s Summer …
What’s Next for Farmers Following Farm Labor Survey’s Discontinuation?
By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …
What Now? Management Tips for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers are on the cusp of harvest season. But that doesn’t mean management of this year’s crop has finished. For some it may be ensuring the trees have their water needs fulfilled. For others, it may be controlling insect pests like the black pecan aphid. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, provided an …
Impact of Satsuma Shortage in Cold-Hardy Citrus Region
Minimal satsumas this harvest season will impact cold-hardy producers far beyond the loss of production in the region. MAINTENANCE MANDATORY Growers are now tasked with maintaining their groves when there is little to no fruit on the trees. It is a chore that producers should still follow through on, however, says Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent. …
Choanephora Rot a Growing Problem for Pepper, Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable growers must be wary of a relatively new disease that is mostly impacting pepper production. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta cautioned producers about Choanephora rot, which has been very aggressive and concerning for pepper producers. “It is a problem now in this season,” Dutta said. “We have seen very little before, …
USDA’s Discontinuation of Farm Labor Survey a Win for Producers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers scored a significant win last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to discontinue the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). The FLS helped the Department of Labor determine the AEWR, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in every state. Rates have spiraled out of control in recent years. Michael Marsh, president …



















