By Clint Thompson The potential future of specialty crop production was on display this week at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. UGA hosted the Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference & Show on Tuesday and Wednesday. It attracted ag companies featuring technologies on the market and those still in the production phase. Luan Oliveira, …

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s vegetable growers are in need of non-traditional crops to supplement their normal farming operations. Ginger and turmeric are two specialty crops that could help producers remain sustainable. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta said consumers are more aware of where their food comes from, desiring fresh, locally grown ingredients. Ginger and turmeric fit …

By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent so far this year for Southeast growers; attributed to the prolonged drought. But there’s still time for this year’s crop to be impacted by certain diseases, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If it starts raining, we’ll still have potential for disease. It will probably …

By Clint Thompson Pecan industry leaders are currently discussing the possibility of the industry enrolling in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) Program. The program is administered by the Farm Service Agency and offers loans to farmers of eligible commodities to help manage cash flow needs and provide marketing flexibility. Georgia grower Justin Jones was part …