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By Clint Thompson One of the top vegetable farmers in the Southeast is not immune to the inflationary costs impacting growers these days. In fact, Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton said his input costs have spiked every year since COVID. “We’ve got hit hard from every angle. And to be honest with you, ’21, ’22, and ’23, our business lost money, …
By Clint Thompson Widely recognized as a leading weed scientist in the Southeast, the University of Georgia’s Stanley Culpepper provides specialty crop growers with weed management guidance. Specialty Crop Grower caught up Culpepper to discuss challenging weeds in Georgia and what to do about them. Q: What are the three most problematic weeds in vegetables produced on plasticulture and how …
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30, 2026. Farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to show quality losses due to natural disasters occurring 2023 and 2024. Farmers also now have the flexibility to use a quality …
By Clint Thompson Before 2025, the likelihood that the Southeast region could experience a tropical season without a tropical storm or major hurricane seemed unfathomable; especially on the heels of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. But yet, the region dodged a major storm. The likelihood that the region could go through 2026 without the impact of a major …
By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama has experienced sufficient rainfall in recent weeks. That’s provided much of the state with adequate moisture. However, one area could use some rain showers, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry weather conditions are being observed across most of southern Alabama. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama talked about the …
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Inflation has touched consumers and businesses across the spectrum in the United States. It has been particularly problematic for farmers trying to remain profitable in a business where margins are tight. “Inflation is a very concerning problem and has impacted all of agriculture in a significant way,” said Tony DiMare, president of DiMare Fresh. …
By Tyler J Harper Georgia’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of a diverse and resilient agricultural economy. From fruits and tree nuts to vegetables, specialty crops play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities and strengthening Georgia’s position as a national leader in agriculture. In 2024 alone, specialty crops contributed a massive $1.5 billion farm-gate value and …
By Clint Thompson Harvest season has come and gone for most watermelon growers in the Southeast. While producers are done producing this year’s crop, they are not done with its management. Growers are encouraged to disk any unwanted melons in the field once the season has ended, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …
By Clint Thompson The H-2A program can be a complicated process for fruit and vegetable growers who are trying to remain in compliance. John Hollay, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), believes the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act will help with making the process more streamlined. “We’ve got folks who have done everything right. All of …
By Clint Thompson The prolonged drought that lingered across the Southeast is still being observed in parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia; just to a lesser extent. The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry areas still present in all three states. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, talked about the drought and how …
