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By Clint Thompson Georgia continues to observe prolonged drought conditions, according to the March 5 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The current conditions are especially challenging in Southeast Georgia where the state’s Vidalia onions are produced. Extreme drought conditions are observed in Toombs County, one of the central areas for Vidalia onion production. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) …
By Clint Thompson Scouting and correct diagnosis of diseases will be key steps in North Florida watermelon growers managing this year’s crop. Because watermelons can be impacted by a plethora of diseases, producers to know exactly what they’re dealing with and apply appropriate fungicides as quickly as possible. That’s the message shared by Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of …
By Clint Thompson The passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 through the House Ag Committee is a positive sign the next farm bill will be enacted into law sooner rather than later. At least that’s the optimistic viewpoint shared by Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm …
By Clint Thompson An extremely dry North Florida region was hit with much-needed rainfall on Monday. That was a welcomed sight for the Suwanee Valley’s watermelon growers who are mostly done planting this year’s crop. “The rain will definitely help in those dry bed areas just to bring more moisture. All of it’s going to go in the hole but …
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show on Thursday provided attendees a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate style format; all happening in Fort Pierce, Florida. Attendees flocked to South Florida to learn about how different trends are impacting the citrus and specialty crop industries through the various seminar …
Two of the three countries in the USMCA agreement announced last week their intentions to begin talks the week of March 16 ahead of a review of the free trade agreement. U.S Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United …
By Clint Thompson Strawberries are nearing harvest season in Southeast Alabama. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama, provided an update on the current season and what growers are doing now in preparations for harvest time. “What we’re trying to do right now is stick all of our blooms from this point forward. We start at the middle …
Florida citrus producers have long used copper as a way to protect against citrus canker. However, it’s time for growers to have other options. That’s a message shared by Ozgur Batuman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor and citrus pathologist at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. He spoke on this …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon plantings have commenced in the Suwanee Valley. Water is a key resource in helping the plants grow over the next couple of months. Rain would be beneficial. Not much is expected, however, in the near future, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
By Frank Giles Recent high-profile stories of tragic accidents involving truck drivers who are not citizens of the United States have heated up the immigration debate. In August, a truck driver made an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike resulting in an accident that took three people’s lives. The driver obtained a commercial driver’s license in California and Washington, despite having …
