With Cinco de Mayo approaching, now’s the time to dig into guacamole and even plant the tree that produces it. Florida avocados offer a fresh, tropical twist on this fan-favorite fruit that stars in so many recipes. Did you know Florida avocados have less fat than the popular Hass variety, making them the lean, green star of your fiesta spread? …
WOTUS Listening Sessions Announced
On March 12, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers (The Agencies) announced a Federal Register notice publicizing a series of six listening sessions and a 30-day recommendations docket to solicit feedback on key aspects of the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The six listening sessions will be held in-person with a virtual option …
Alabama Strawberry Grower Switching Nursery Sources: It’s a Business Decision
By Clint Thompson The impact of Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) in Jeremy Calvert’s strawberry production this year is leading the Alabama grower to consider other nursery sources next year. “We’re definitely looking at California nurseries. I truly hate it for those nurseries in Canada, because they’re family operations just like we are,” Calvert said. “I spent a couple of days in Plant …
Georgia Pecan Grower: No. 1 Issue is Capital
By Clint Thompson The grower panel at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association meeting in March allowed the state’s producers to address trending issues like low prices and potential export markets like India. One of the main topics highlighted were current concerns felt by growers. Low prices were one, and the lack of working capital was another. It was addressed …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update 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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway Following Weather Challenges
By Clint Thompson Harvest season is well underway for Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop. Vidalia onion producers encountered numerous weather challenges this year leading up to harvest season. Shane Curry, executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, discussed those challenges, which included Hurricane Helene last fall and the historic snowfall in January. “Everything looks good as of right now. We were …
Nitrogen Reduction Needed in Cold-Hardy Citrus Region
Growers in the cold-hardy citrus region are applying too much nitrogen to their groves. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discovered that unfortunate reality while conducting a research project in North Florida. Most citrus growers were following recommendations in the UF/IFAS Florida Citrus Production Guide, which are mostly …
EPA’s Uncertain Future Will Impact Mancozeb’s Availability for Southeast Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson A reduction in force could mean a delay in action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to mancozeb use in grapes. The Trump administration has stated in the past its intent to fire more than 1,000 scientists in the EPA’s research arm. That could significantly impact its ability to follow through on items that are …
Above Average Tropical Season Expected
By Clint Thompson Another active tropical season awaits the Southeast this summer. While not as active as last year, predictions by Colorado State University are for 17 total named storms in the Atlantic Basin, nine hurricanes and four that are Category 3 or higher. In comparison, there were 18 storms in 2024, 11 hurricanes and five that were at least …
Minimal Disease Pressure in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson There is minimal disease pressure in watermelons across the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida. With dry weather conditions expected in the near future, risk of new infections of bacterial or fungal diseases is currently low, according to Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth noted in his weekly email what watermelon …