Upon Further Review: Freeze Protection Methods Work Well for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Upon further review, citrus trees in the cold-hardy citrus region of South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama appeared to have fared well following the Nov. 10-11 freeze event. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, needed a few extra days to look over some of the trees in her area following …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Sweet Grown Alabama Helping Producers Achieve Success

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Frank Giles  Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series featuring state marketing programs across the Southeast.  While Sweet Grown Alabama considers itself a “new kid on the block” among state marketing programs, it has garnered a considerable following since its inception in 2019. Today, more than 500 farms, markets, product makers, stores and restaurants have joined the …

Drier Than Usual: UGA Extension Ag Climatologist Discusses Current Drought

Clint ThompsonDrought, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The fall part of the year is normally a dry time for the Southeast region. This year’s conditions have been drier than normal, however, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re a little stymied right now because a lot of the maps we usually look at haven’t been updated by NOAA which …

Let the Season Begin: Big Christmas Trees a Popular Purchase

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson It’s the middle of November which means it’s Christmas tree season for Alabama farms and holiday enthusiasts. For one Christmas tree farm, they expect to see a continued trend of bigger trees get sold this holiday season. Steve Mannhard, with Fish River Farms in Baldwin County, Alabama, talked about the trend of shopping for trees that are …

Whitefly Update in Georgia’s Fall Vegetables

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Whitefly infestations are normally a problem for Georgia’s fall vegetable production. While they were noticeable this fall season, they weren’t as high as in recent years, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “I don’t think the populations were as high. We always get high populations late in the year, but they didn’t show up …

florida tomato

N.C. State Extension Agent Emphasizes Food Safety

Clint ThompsonNorth Carolina

By Clint Thompson Food safety should remain at the forefront of minds of fruit and vegetable producers. That’s a point of emphasis for Elena Rogers, N.C. State Extension Area Specialized Agent in fresh produce food safety. She believes growers should acclimate themselves to the dangers posed by food-borne illnesses so the risks can be mitigated on the farm and at …

Trump Administration Delivers Second Stage of Crop Disaster Assistance for Farmers

Clint ThompsonLegislative

(Washington, D.C.) – President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins continue to put Farmers First. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continued to support farmers and will release billions of dollars in disaster assistance for those recovering from natural disasters across the country. “President Trump continues to put Farmers First and provide relief to …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Daniel Lyon Upstate Andy Rollins

irrigation

Christmas Come Early: Tree Farms Sell Out Quickly

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Christmas season starts earlier and earlier. No longer are people waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate their homes for Christmas. And as we saw this year, no longer are some stores waiting until November to offer Christmas lights and decorations for sale. That mindset can also be seen on Christmas tree farms as well. While Thanksgiving Day …

Updated Drought Conditions Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Florida, Georgia

The southern part of the Southeast region is experiencing the driest conditions, according to the Nov. 13 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought conditions are seen across South Georgia and North Florida, while severe drought is seen in the southeastern part of Alabama. South Georgia’s driest conditions start in Seminole and Early counties, expand eastward to Brantley and …