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By Clint Thompson Variety selection may be the most important choice a Southeast pecan producer makes in their quest to remain sustainable. The variety’s production, combined with a resistance or high tolerance to scab disease, makes it an invaluable choice for growers trying to navigate high input costs and low market prices. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist …
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions across some of Georgia is not a bad thing for the state’s strawberry producers. It should help those trying to thwart off the impacts of neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease. That is if it isn’t too late for those growers dealing with the disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The …
By Clint Thompson The first week of April is usually reserved for Florida sweet corn production to spike. This year is no different, says Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). She discussed this year’s crop and the top-notch quality that is expected. “March is when we kick off spring, …
The citrus industry is not immune to the trade imbalance that is impacting the ag industry across the Unted States. From 2000 to 2013, the United States exported more citrus than it imported. However, the imbalance began in 2014 and worsened every year through 2023, equating to a deficit of 26 million boxes. The staggering statistics are reflective of the …
By Clint Thompson Sweet corn producers should know that nitrogen applications can be reduced and spread out over the course of the season. That lessons the impact of leaching, a common problem for sandy soil production. The 250 pounds of nitrogen per acre total that Andre da Silva, Extension specialist and associate professor of horticulture at Auburn University, determined is …
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers. The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. “Florida’s farmers, growers and …
By Clint Thompson Pecan exports need to continue to be diversified and spread out in as many countries as possible. It benefits Southeast growers not to have all of their exports in one place, says Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. Warden spoke about pecan marketing at last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association …
By Clint Thompson Phylloxera was in high populations in pecan orchards across the Southeast last year. If growers hope to avoid a similar outbreak this year, they’ll need to be more timely with their insecticide sprays, says Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. “Imidacloprid is regularly used in pecan production, but timing …
The United States’ ongoing trade war with some of its top trading partners has sparked concern and comment from specialty crop leaders. Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), issued a letter to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce; Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture; and Jamison Greer, U.S. Trade Representative. She voiced her concerns about the impact that …
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
