Increased Scab Disease in Pecan Orchards Amid Rainy Summer

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab disease’s persistence in this year’s Southeast pecans says more about the amount of rain the region has received this summer than fungicide ineffectiveness. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, spoke about the subject in a recent UGA Extension Pecan Blog. He emphasized that rainfall accumulation has been high during June and July, including in …

Region’s Specialty Crop Leaders Applaud National Farm Security Action Plan

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Farm security is national security, and the Trump administration is ensuring both are protected with the National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan highlights agriculture as a focus of the nation’s national security, addressing threats from foreign adversaries, including China. “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, …

Rain’s Impact: Implement Good Fungicide Spray Program to Protect Grapes

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A good fungicide spray program will help protect Southeast grape production amid a rainy summer and potential disease buildup. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted disease management and how much better the grape crop is protected compared to prior years. “If you have a good spray program, very aggressive, like an every …

Sen. Ossoff Presses USDA, State of Georgia to Finalize Hurricane Relief

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C. — In his continued fight for Georgia farmers, Sen. Jon Ossoff sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper requesting answers on the lack of movement on a block grant agreement for federal relief more than 9 months after Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia’s agricultural communities — and more …

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Specialty Crop Leader: SDRP Funds Coming At Good Time

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Financial relief is available for specialty crop producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024, through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). That means much needed assistance for growers in Alabama and Georgia who have dealt with their share of hurricanes, freeze events and prolonged drought over the last couple of …

Georgia Peach Season Nearing End

Clint ThompsonFruits, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia peach producers are nearing an end to this year’s harvest season. They are expected to conclude harvesting this year’s crop in early August, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. Cook discussed this season’s production which has been strong despite persistent rains and numerous bouts …

Legislative Victory: One Big Beautiful Win for Specialty Crops

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The One Big Beautiful Bill is a one big beautiful win for specialty crops. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted the recently passed legislation, which will impact fruit and vegetable growers across the Southeast. “I think there are some very good provisions included in the bill for important initiatives, …

July-September Period To Be Wetter Than Normal

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

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

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

(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

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

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 …