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By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …
By Clint Thompson Amid current delays in the H-2A system, one agricultural leader expressed his feelings about the program and its impact on his specific sector. George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association (NWA), discussed the program in an interview with AgNet Media. He described it as a “necessary evil.” “I will say the program itself has a …
By Frank Giles The legal battles over glyphosate’s potential liability for causing cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma, have been raging for more than a decade. Recent developments have the herbicide back in the spotlight as a case is being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS). The case is Monsanto v. Durnell. SCOTUS is reviewing a jury verdict awarding John Durnell …
WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement on the approval by the House of Representatives of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman (GT) Thompson for his leadership and perseverance, and we thank the House for advancing H.R. 7567, marking …
Weekly Field Report 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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Report Daniel Lyon Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown Andy Rollins
By Clint Thompson The impact of tarnished plant bugs (TPB) in North Carolina strawberries is normally low every year. But that has changed this season, due largely to the ongoing drought across the Southeast. “This year it seems like it’s widespread and not at a moderate level but at a high infestation level in a lot of strawberry farms,” said …
By Clint Thompson The emergence of fusarium wilt disease in North Florida watermelons this year is a reminder about how effective grafted plants are in overcoming the disease. Unfortunately, their growth in the Suwanee Valley region may be limited by simple economics, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
By Clint Thompson Production costs are up for Southeast watermelon growers. That’s created concern for producers with harvest season just around the corner for much of the region. “I think what’s on the forefront of everybody’s minds is the challenges with costs we’re seeing already,” said George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. “As a result from the …
In this month’s sneak peek, the May issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights peaches and how one Georgia grower is seeing strong production. Lane Southern Orchards in Central Georgia is one of the state’s top peach producers. Farm manager Tyler Wainwright discusses production and the secrets to his company’s success, including not having production all in one area and …
Rethinking Success in Specialty Crops Winter meeting season has wrapped up in Alabama. Fruit and vegetable growers now turn their attention to strawberries, spring vegetables and — if the good Lord allows — a strong outlook for 2026 crops. Earlier this month, the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) gathered in Gulf Shores for its annual conference. It was …
