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By Frank Giles Every so often, we’ll see another data point that confirms an argument we’ve been making for years in the Southeastern specialty crop industry: Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are putting our growers at a disadvantage. In this instance, the data comes from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) recently published report, “Competing Across the Calendar: The …
By Clint Thompson Registration is currently ongoing for this year’s Southeast Strawberry Expo scheduled for Nov. 8-11 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina. One of the topics on this year’s agenda is variety testing, as conducted by Austin Wrenn, with Wrenn’s Farm. He will provide updates on what works well in what soil …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. As farmers apply for this key program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings will soon begin across the Southeast. Plant sourcing remains the best line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We tell people to make sure you’re talking to your nurseries and getting from a nursery that does not have a history of having it, …
By Clint Thompson The calendar turns to October this week. While the Southeast has dodged a major hurricane so far this year, specialty crop growers and homeowners must remember they are not out of the woods yet. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the potential for storms this time of year. “We’re passed the peak of …
By Clint Thompson Plenty is on the minds of North Florida and South Georgia watermelon growers ahead of this year’s Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute, scheduled for Dec. 3. Multiple concerns are expected to be addressed at the meeting, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I …
Drought-like conditions are expanding and worsening in areas across the Southeast, according to the Sept. 24 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama Severe drought conditions are observed in parts of Alabama, starting in Escambia County in South Alabama, stretching northward to Greene, Hale, Tuscaloosa, Bibb and Chilton counties near the central part of the state. Moderate conditions include Mobile …
By Clint Thompson Management of phony peach disease remains simple for Southeast growers – destroy the infected tree before it becomes more of a problem than it already is. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said in a prior interview that the disease is caused by a bacteria and reduces production to nearly zero. The …
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. Lowcountry Report Zack Snipes The cooler mornings have been a nice surprise lately. We are pretty dry in most production areas along the coast. Midlands Report Rob Last Pee Dee Report Bruce McLean Parts …
By Clint Thompson Cooler temperatures are on the way in the Southeast. It’s not a moment too soon for farmers and residents in Florida, Alabama and Georgia who have endured high temperatures well into September. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the heat and what’s on the horizon during an interview with AgNet Media. “It looks …
