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The Aug. 13 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor provided updated drought conditions across Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida Florida’s dry conditions range anywhere from extreme drought to abnormal drought. Extreme drought in North Florida includes all or parts of Gilchrist, Suwanee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Clay, Putnam and Alachua counties. Extreme drought down the west coast includes all or parts …
One of satsuma mandarin’s drawbacks is its alternate bearing tendency. It will produce a heavy crop load one year and a low one the next year. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, said tree hedging may provide a solution. She discussed the management technique at the Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia on …
By Clint Thompson The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo returned home this year and provided the same vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. This week’s two-day event, held Wednesday and Thursday, was held in Fort Myers, Florida, its original home for nearly three decades. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, flocked to the …
By Clint Thompson One of the top vegetable farmers in the Southeast is not immune to the inflationary costs impacting growers these days. In fact, Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton said his input costs have spiked every year since COVID. “We’ve got hit hard from every angle. And to be honest with you, ’21, ’22, and ’23, our business lost money, …
By Clint Thompson Widely recognized as a leading weed scientist in the Southeast, the University of Georgia’s Stanley Culpepper provides specialty crop growers with weed management guidance. Specialty Crop Grower caught up Culpepper to discuss challenging weeds in Georgia and what to do about them. Q: What are the three most problematic weeds in vegetables produced on plasticulture and how …
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30, 2026. Farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to show quality losses due to natural disasters occurring 2023 and 2024. Farmers also now have the flexibility to use a quality …
By Clint Thompson Before 2025, the likelihood that the Southeast region could experience a tropical season without a tropical storm or major hurricane seemed unfathomable; especially on the heels of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. But yet, the region dodged a major storm. The likelihood that the region could go through 2026 without the impact of a major …
By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama has experienced sufficient rainfall in recent weeks. That’s provided much of the state with adequate moisture. However, one area could use some rain showers, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry weather conditions are being observed across most of southern Alabama. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama talked about the …
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Inflation has touched consumers and businesses across the spectrum in the United States. It has been particularly problematic for farmers trying to remain profitable in a business where margins are tight. “Inflation is a very concerning problem and has impacted all of agriculture in a significant way,” said Tony DiMare, president of DiMare Fresh. …
By Tyler J Harper Georgia’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of a diverse and resilient agricultural economy. From fruits and tree nuts to vegetables, specialty crops play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities and strengthening Georgia’s position as a national leader in agriculture. In 2024 alone, specialty crops contributed a massive $1.5 billion farm-gate value and …
