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A common management tool that Florida citrus growers use to improve the health of trees impacted by citrus greening disease could be a valuable resource for cold-hardy producers — but for a different reason. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed the tool gibberellic acid (GA) at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference …
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with the National Council of Agricultural Employers and Western Growers Association, issued a letter to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in December, regarding concerns over delays in the administrative processing of H-2A visas. The letter addressed how workers are being delayed by consular administrative processing. Leaders …
By Clint Thompson Weather statistics for 2025 indicated a drier than normal year for the Southeast. It was the driest in Florida, South Georgia and Alabama, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. She noted in the UGA Climate and Agriculture Blog that last year’s weather, especially during the fall, was warmer and drier than usual. …
Georgia farmers and agricultural industry leaders should mark their calendars for Friday, Jan. 23. That is when the Georgia Ag Forecast is scheduled to take place at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences economists use the event every year to provide an outlook of agricultural markets for …
Specialty crop producers interested in transitioning to organic production must understand the significant timeframe associated with the transition. Alabama Extension reminds growers that, in order for farms to become certified organic, farms must undergo a transition period of at least three years during which no prohibited substances, like synthetic pesticides, can be used. Growers must adhere to organic practices during …
The next big citrus event, hosted by AgNet Media, is about two months away. This year’s Florida Citrus Show with Specialty Crops is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Booth prices are still available for those vendors interested in attending. The standard exhibit space is $525, while the equipment exhibit space is $575. Space is limited, and …
Priorities for 2026: Navigating Trade, Policy and Elections By Mike Joyner Florida’s specialty crop producers and the wider agricultural industry continue to encounter significant challenges. This includes unfair trade, rising input costs and issues tied to both the cost and availability of labor. However, several emerging opportunities expected in 2026 may help drive meaningful change. In last year’s column, I …
By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers who are pondering the use of grafted plants to combat fusarium wilt disease must remember that grafted plants have later maturity than regular plants. That’s a message that a panel, including Josh Freeman, regional sales manager with TriEst Ag Group, shared at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida. “Nobody knows …
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop industry leaders from across Georgia, Alabama, Florida and the Carolinas attended the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference last weekend in Savannah, Georgia. One of those ag leaders in attendance was Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper. He discussed specialty crops in an interview with AgNet Media. “I think when you look at agriculture as a …
By Clint Thompson A new insecticide should provide vegetable growers another tool in the toolbox in managing certain pests. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, talked about Incipio and its potential impact on vegetable production in the Southeast. “A lot of it comes down to price as to how big of a role it will play. …
