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By Clint Thompson The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 would improve accessibility and labor costs associated with the H-2A program. After 40 years, reform is needed to ensure long-term sustainability for farming operations across the Southeast, especially after the recent court ruling that reversed the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current AEWR methodology is unlawful. John Hollay, president and CEO …
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Fall Field Day on Thursday provided an outlet for researchers and industry specialists to meet with growers on the cusp of this year’s harvest season. The field day was held at Southern Hills Orchards in Leesburg, Georgia. University specialists provided farmers an update on various topics impacting this year’s crop. That …
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers and industry specialists are reminded that this year’s Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) Fall Meeting and Trade Show is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bonnet Springs Park Event Center in Lakeland, Florida. There will be industry updates, expert speakers, grower networking and a trade show featuring …
Florida specialty crop producers are reminded that an in-person Best Management Practices (BMP) Training will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle, Glade, Florida on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The workshop, which will include lunch, will last from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. BMP trainings are intended for …
Citrus canker disease is an isolated threat in the cold-hardy citrus region that growers should remain aware of. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, recently discussed the disease and its potential impact in cold-hardy citrus. “Canker has been found in Georgia, as reported several years ago. It seems to be very isolated in a …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene block grant relief is on its way, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Harper made the announcement at the Joint Ag Issues Summit on Aug. 20 in Perry, Georgia. He said the goal is to have the block grant funding start to roll out this fall. “We’re working on that timeline as we speak. …
By Clint Thompson Pop-up thunderstorms this summer have made it feel rainier than it really has been across the Southeast. While some areas have experienced timely rains, the Aug. 27 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of the region is still experiencing drought-like conditions. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current weather pattern. “It’s …
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. But they can ill-afford to let their guards down with regard to the crop’s current needs, which right now, centers on water demands. This is according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells talked about pecans and their water …
By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama has grown leaps and bounds since its inception just seven years ago. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson talked about the program and her vision for it moving forward. “We’re incredibly proud of how much growth Sweet Grown Alabama has had since 2019. We went from a concept to a program with over 600 …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill An interview with AgNet Media allowed Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner to discuss multiple issues impacting his farmers. One of those topics was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. declined to extend the USMCA amid the governments’ scheduled review on July 1, 2026. Needed Changes Joyner outlined some of …
