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The March 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows exceptional drought in North Florida and South Georgia, the part of the region that is the driest in the Southeast. Georgia Exceptional drought conditions in South Georgia are located in parts of Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes and Echols counties, while the remaining region is still suffering through extreme drought conditions. …
By Clint Thompson Last week’s sub-freezing temperatures over multiple days impacted Georgia’s early peach varieties. To what extent remains to be seen, explains Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “What I saw initially, it’s going to be an impact on some early stuff. It really depends on where you …
By Frank Giles Last month’s cover story featured the potential benefits the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement could have for specialty crop growers. The recommendation to eat “real food,” which includes fruits and vegetables, could improve sales for farmers while benefiting Americans’ health. There’s a lot that is good about MAHA, because it has focused the conversation on how …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers should be starting their fungicide applications. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasized that message during his weekly email to growers in the Suwanee Valley Region. “I’d say we are usually looking for gummy stem blight. That would probably …
By Clint Thompson Economic relief was a focus during last week’s session in the Georgia Legislature. One of the main impacts was seen on Friday when Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation (HB 1199) which suspends the state’s gas and diesel taxes for 60 days. The suspension was needed amid the conflict in Iran which has led to gas prices …
The Florida Citrus Show provided an opportunity for Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation (CRAFT) Executive Director Steven Hall to share the organization’s accomplishments and future plans. Hall moderated a panel discussion and spoke about the organization’s work. “Thanks to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, we’ve been able to …
By Clint Thompson Choanephora rot is a fungal disease that causes a soft, wet rot on plants. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and is recognized by a fuzzy, “hairy” or pinhead-like fungal growth on infected areas. Where Is It? Choanephora rot is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and parts of Africa. The disease was first documented in the …
By Clint Thompson Summer weed control begins now for grape producers, according to one North Georgia Extension agent. Nathan Eason, County Extension Coordinator and Agricultural and Natural Resources agent for White County, noted in the University of Georgia Viticulture Blog that if growers have not applied herbicides in their respective vineyards, it is definitely time to do so. “We’re warming …
By Clint Thompson Weather conditions are starting to favor development for certain peach diseases that Southeast growers must be wary of. Blossom blight is especially concerning this time of year, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We’re pretty much hitting on bloom or full bloom, and blossom blight, which is the brown rot phase …
VIDALIA, GA – The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee officially announced the 2026 pack date this week. Vidalia onion enthusiasts nationwide can mark their calendars for April 13, when the sweet onions will start shipping to grocery stores, bringing a taste of Georgia’s unique agricultural heritage to kitchens everywhere. “I’m excited to announce, in coordination with the …
