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By Clint Thompson Georgia may be known as the Peach State, but blueberries have proven to be a bountiful and profitable venture for growers willing to take the plunge. But how long will that profitability last, especially amid today’s challenging economic conditions? Grower Perspectives Two Georgia blueberry producers, each with different experiences and paths to the specialty crop sector, discussed …
By Clint Thompson The Sunbelt Ag Expo’s return to South Georgia this week allows farmers, industry experts and legislative leaders to reconvene once again, discuss topics pertinent to the agricultural industry and learn about technological innovations that could impact all sectors of Ag. One of those leaders in attendance on Tuesday was Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. He spoke at …
By Clint Thompson Long-term management of Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in strawberries may hinge on research breeders developing new varieties that are resistant to the disease. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is especially encouraged by the progress of new cultivars being developed in the Southeast. “There is some research now coming out of Florida and …
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about next year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The annual conference is scheduled for Jan. 7-9, 2027, in Savannah, Georgia. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the conference, which includes growers and industry leaders from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and the …
By Frank Giles One of the critical elements in the specialty crop supply chain is transportation. Getting produce from the fields to the packinghouse and then to consumers is an important part of the process. Over the past couple of years, there has been increased scrutiny of trucking and those who hold commercial driver licenses (CDLs). This has been driven …
The work of Southeastern blueberry breeders is paying off with a lot of options for growers to diversify their plantings. Here are some of the newer selections being featured by two breeding programs. Florida Selections The University of Florida (UF) Blueberry Breeding Program has released many cultivars over the years with desirable characteristics, pleasing consumers and helping commercial growers be …
On the cusp of another harvest season, Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, believes there will be a bumper crop in the South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama areas. “I’ve not talked to a single person who has said, ‘I’m not going to have fruit this year’ — not with satsumas and not with Cara Caras. …
The 48th annual Sunbelt Ag Expo is back this week in Moultrie, Georgia, and farmers, industry leaders and agricultural enthusiasts are invited to attend North America’s premier farm show. It is scheduled for Oct. 20-22 and will host visitors from across the Southeast, specifically from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas and Virginia. The Southeast Farmer of the …
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan growers, like Justin Jones in Lee County, are hopeful that weather conditions stay drier for the rest of October. It will help the crop avoid quality issues that might arise following the wet weather conditions to begin the month. “If it stays like this or if it stays like a dry October, like we’re kind …
Blood oranges are an enticing option to help cold-hardy citrus producers diversify their crop portfolios. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is researching the crop at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. Nothing has deterred him from recommending it to growers in North Florida, South Georgia …
