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Leaders in the cold-hardy citrus region have long advocated for growers to diversify their crop portfolios. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, has wanted citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama to plant alternatives to satsuma mandarins, which has been the predominant citrus type produced in the region. Diversification helps extend the harvest season. …
By Clint Thompson Count the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) as one organization excited about the opportunity to work alongside President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration in a couple of months. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), discussed the next administration and its importance in helping resolve long-standing issues like labor. …
By Clint Thompson Whitefly pressure was a non-factor in South Georgia’s fall vegetable crop this year. Hurricane Helene was a big reason why. While the storm brought high winds and excessive rains that devastated multiple agricultural commodities, its one bright spot was its impact on the whitefly populations, says University of Georgia vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks. “The hurricane knocked them …
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 Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
By Zippy Duvall In my family, as I’m sure for many of you, fall means harvest season and football season. Where I’m from, you can’t help but be a Georgia Bulldog fan. No matter who you root for, though, you want a fair game where each team has the opportunity to win. But imagine for a moment what would happen …
By Clint Thompson Statistics support claims by industry experts that imports are negatively impacting fresh fruits and vegetables being produced across the Southeast. It’s why Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), has been adamant that legislative help is needed and why the Protecting Our Produce Act would be a good first step for …
By Clint Thompson The Southeast has yet to enter an official La Niña weather pattern. But it’s inevitable. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, said the current temperature threshold has prevented weather experts from declaring an official La Niña. But it’s inevitable. It’s just a matter of how long it takes and its impact on the Southeast. “They …
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The fall of 2024 will not soon be forgotten by specialty crop growers in the Southeast after Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared ashore bringing far-reaching impacts to crops and infrastructure. While the true fallout of the storms will take months to realize, early reports show the level of damage growers are dealing with in …
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are well underway across South Georgia. What growers are harvesting right now will comprise most of what they pick for the season, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “For a lot of them the volume has not been there; at least it’s less than what they thought when they were looking …
By Clint Thompson One South Georgia muscadine producer continues to educate consumers about the grape, especially its many health benefits. Gary Paulk, CEO of Paulk Vineyards in Wray, Georgia, attended last months’ IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta. Like other businesses in attendance, Paulk used the two-day event to market his crop and inform consumers about the sweet-tasting …
