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By Clint Thompson Pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. But they can ill-afford to let their guards down with regard to the crop’s current needs, which right now, centers on water demands. This is according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells talked about pecans and their water …
By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama has grown leaps and bounds since its inception just seven years ago. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson talked about the program and her vision for it moving forward. “We’re incredibly proud of how much growth Sweet Grown Alabama has had since 2019. We went from a concept to a program with over 600 …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill An interview with AgNet Media allowed Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner to discuss multiple issues impacting his farmers. One of those topics was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. declined to extend the USMCA amid the governments’ scheduled review on July 1, 2026. Needed Changes Joyner outlined some of …
By Clint Thompson There is a lot to like about U.S. Representative GT Thompson’s (PA-15) Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026; legislation that would improve accessibility and labor costs with the H-2A program. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted those positives, as his organization hosted this year’s Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum …
In this month’s sneak peek, the September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo and its triumphant return to Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day event was held on Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel. The new venue offered farmers and industry leaders convenience and amenities. Citrus and specialty crop …
The most devasting disease to impact Florida citrus production is a threat to trees in the cold-hardy citrus region. Citrus greening disease has impacted Florida groves for more than 20 years and looms as a danger to trees in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. While the best management strategy is prompt removal of trees, a longer-term solution is …
By Clint Thompson Just when Southeast specialty crop growers thought they had found some certainty with regards to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) they were paying within the H-2A program, a federal court ruling has provided more uncertainty. A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current AEWR methodology is unlawful. Multiple provisions were found to …
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for next year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, especially after the success of this year’s event. Southeast farmers and industry leaders can go ahead and mark their calendars for next year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 4-5, 2027. Citrus and specialty crop growers, …
By Clint Thompson Ag labor reform is currently a dream that industry experts hope will soon become a reality. Hopefully, it will occur by the end of the year. U.S. Representative GT Thompson (PA-15) has already introduced Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026,legislation that would improve accessibility and labor costs with the H-2A program. H-2A reform was a focus of …
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Vegetable growers — be aware that the EPA is seeking public comments on an issue regarding the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., Admire, Assail, Belay, Actor, Venom) on food crops. Clemson/University of …
