Georgia Pecan Grower: No. 1 Issue is Capital

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The grower panel at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association meeting in March allowed the state’s producers to address trending issues like low prices and potential export markets like India. One of the main topics highlighted were current concerns felt by growers. Low prices were one, and the lack of working capital was another. It was addressed …

Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway Following Weather Challenges

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Harvest season is well underway for Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop. Vidalia onion producers encountered numerous weather challenges this year leading up to harvest season. Shane Curry, executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, discussed those challenges, which included Hurricane Helene last fall and the historic snowfall in January. “Everything looks good as of right now. We were …

EPA’s Uncertain Future Will Impact Mancozeb’s Availability for Southeast Grape Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A reduction in force could mean a delay in action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to mancozeb use in grapes. The Trump administration has stated in the past its intent to fire more than 1,000 scientists in the EPA’s research arm. That could significantly impact its ability to follow through on items that are …

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Above Average Tropical Season Expected

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Another active tropical season awaits the Southeast this summer. While not as active as last year, predictions by Colorado State University are for 17 total named storms in the Atlantic Basin, nine hurricanes and four that are Category 3 or higher. In comparison, there were 18 storms in 2024, 11 hurricanes and five that were at least …

NPF/PAC’s Importance to Pecan Industry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The National Pecan Federation’s (NPF) Political Action Committee (PAC) is essential to the future of the industry in the Southeast. Growers in Alabama and Georgia need PAC to have a seat at the table when dealing with lawmakers who could shape the industry’s future. Georgia grower Marianne Brown was part of a panel discussion at this year’s …

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Florida Tomato Exchange Not Supporting Any New New Suspension Agreement

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson The next 90 days are critical for the domestic tomato industry. That is how Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, views the next three months following Monday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) would terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. Guenther believes the …

North Georgia Peach Producer Optimistic About This Year’s Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson One North Georgia peach producer is a little more than a month away from starting his harvest season. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms, could not be more optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think it’s going to be good. I feel good about it,” Echols said. “Depending on the varieties, we’ve got fruit that is dime …

Customs Code Key to Unlocking India’s Potential as Pecan Export Market

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson India provides great potential for Southeast pecan producers looking for a dependable and profitable export destination. A customs code, though, is keeping growers from enjoying greater trade success with the heavily populated country. “Right now, we’re only able to sell shelled pecans there. We’re working really hard to get a code, a customs code, so we can …

Minimal Rain in Forecast for Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Last week’s increased rainfall helped improve the drought conditions across Georgia, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, last Monday’s deluge may be the last substantial rainfall for the state over the next couple of weeks. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, highlights what precipitation is expected in the foreseeable future. …

Georgia Pecan Growers ‘Very Positive’ Following Challenging Year

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan growers are understandably concerned heading into the 2025 season. Prices are historically low. Hurricane Helene devastated much of last year’s crop. Still, producers remained hopeful at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show. “Moods are here and there. A lot of our growers are very positive and are continuously being positive, …