Hurricane Debby Damage in the Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Clint ThompsonCitrus, Georgia

The impact of Hurricane Debby on the cold-hardy citrus region appears minimal, according to one industry expert. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission, said any damage from the wind-heavy storm was limited to the younger citrus trees. Savelle has groves in Georgia’s Thomas County. Young Trees “When we get a …

Sweet Grown Alabama Director: Our Goal is to Become a Household Name Across State

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Since 2019, Sweet Grown Alabama has been synonymous with marketing locally grown crops in the state. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson hopes to continue that expansion over the next five years and beyond. “We have been incredibly proud of the growth of Sweet Grown Alabama in just five short years, and we are continuing to gain …

symposium

Symposium Unites Growers and Ag Industry Professionals

Dan CooperAgriculture, Events

The second annual Growing Together Symposium was hosted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in early August. The event was a forum for growers and agricultural industry professionals to learn about various business-related topics. Center director Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski welcomed attendees and noted the Apopka, Florida, facility is continuing its …

Pumpkin Preview: North Georgia Producer Discusses Current Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pumpkins

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather in North Georgia is impacting specialty crop production. That’s not a bad thing for producers growing pumpkins, explains Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in North Georgia. He outlined what the pumpkin crop is experiencing this time of year. “Once those plants get out there and get real big, it takes a whole …

USDA Announces August 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for August 2024, which became effective Aug. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.           “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work …

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Recovery Resources

Clint ThompsonUSDA

On the heels of Hurricane Debby’s trek through the Southeast this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane that FSA has programs and resources available to provide assistance in recovery efforts. It is critical that producers keep accurate records to document damage or loss and report losses …

What’s Next? Florida Blueberry Farmer Concerned About Future Tropical Systems Following Hurricane Debby

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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. Statewide Tony Keinath (Extension Plant Pathologist) Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King

Georgia’s Peach Production Nets 85% to 90%

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson What a difference a year made for Georgia’s peach producers. One year after experiencing the lowest of lows with regards to peach production, most of the state’s growers enjoyed the highest of highs with this year’s crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, described how different this year’s yield production was. “I think …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Pacific Tomato Growers Gets Grant to Enhance Labor

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson A $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection pilot grant program will continue to help Pacific Tomato Growers be a destination workplace for H-2A workers. “When we applied for the grant, we had an extensive list of things we were going to use it for. The H-2A program is …