 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
By Clint Thompson Scab resistant pecan varieties are popular among Alabama and Georgia growers these days. Varieties like Lakota, Avalon and Creek are used so producers can minimize the amount of fungicide sprays they must make during a growing season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overwhelming an orchard with one or more of a …
By Frank Giles In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) can make images and videos that look real, scammers are taking advantage of the technology and all the ways potential victims can be reached through their phones, emails and social media accounts. A Specialty Crop Grower article last month featured Gene McAvoy, a well-known agriculturalist, whose Facebook page was hacked. …
By Clint Thompson Elderberry is a high value crop that Alabama Extension is hoping growers can take better advantage of. Holt Akers-Campbell, Alabama Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said there is not an Alabama producer who produces elderberry on a large scale. It’s been mostly reserved for small growers, but the potential is there for it to grow in popularity. …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The cyclospora outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce and sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states could have lingering repercussions long after the CDC and FDA declared it over on Sept. 11. That’s the fear shared by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. “Our growers will tell you that they feel …
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry farmers are on the cusp of planting this year’s crop. Producers like Dustin Grooms, with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, could use a better season than the one experienced last year. Grooms talked about the challenges that strawberry growers encountered last year in an interview with AgNet Media. It started with the colder temperatures …
By Clint Thompson It will not be long before citrus producers in the cold-hardy citrus region start harvesting this year’s crop. But there are still weeks left of production where growers must manage their fruit. Much of that management will center on protecting the crop from the sun, a problem that’s only intensified in recent weeks, according to Mary Sutton, …
WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on Wednesday.  “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is grateful to Chairman Boozman and his staff for convening today’s markup and favorably reporting the Agricultural Act of 2026. We continue to …
By Clint Thompson Quality issues remain a concern for Georgia and Alabama pecan farmers who are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, talked about nut issues like sprouting and embryo rot during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association field day on Sept. 3. Pecan quality is vulnerable if weather conditions turn …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Jeffrey Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John as 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees. Since 1980, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has honored men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and …
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. Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Bruce McLean Upstate Report Briana Naumuk
