By Clint Thompson India provides great potential for Southeast pecan producers looking for a dependable and profitable export destination. A customs code, though, is keeping growers from enjoying greater trade success with the heavily populated country. “Right now, we’re only able to sell shelled pecans there. We’re working really hard to get a code, a customs code, so we can …
Minimal Rain in Forecast for Georgia
By Clint Thompson Last week’s increased rainfall helped improve the drought conditions across Georgia, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, last Monday’s deluge may be the last substantial rainfall for the state over the next couple of weeks. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, highlights what precipitation is expected in the foreseeable future. …
Georgia Citrus Grower Discusses Satsuma Situation
Georgia’s citrus industry has found its footing more than a decade into production. Whether growers can thrive for the next 10 years may depend largely on their ability to expand production beyond satsuma mandarins. “It is a work in progress. Anybody getting into it will need to consider that,” Georgia grower Buck Paulk said. “There’s a lot of unknowns with …
USDA Seeks Nominees for Florida Tomato Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominees for the Florida Tomato Committee to fill seats for 10 producer members and their respective alternates for two-year terms, starting on Aug. 1, 2025. Nominations will take place on April 14 at a virtual nomination meeting in each of the two established districts. The committee is seeking nominees for five producer member …
Georgia Pecan Growers ‘Very Positive’ Following Challenging Year
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan growers are understandably concerned heading into the 2025 season. Prices are historically low. Hurricane Helene devastated much of last year’s crop. Still, producers remained hopeful at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show. “Moods are here and there. A lot of our growers are very positive and are continuously being positive, …
Wet Spring Could Spike Anthracnose in Southeast Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Anthracnose disease is a yearly concern for strawberry producers in the Southeast. But its severity will largely hinge on the environmental conditions this spring. Because that’s the case, anthracnose may be a problem this year for growers and it may not, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If we have a …
CUPS Benefits Go Beyond Psyllid Exclusion
Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) offers benefits that go beyond its initial purpose of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) exclusion. Steven Callaham of Dundee Citrus Growers Association discussed the advantages and sustainability of this form of citrus production. Rapid tree growth is a major benefit, according to Callaham. “It has been documented that trees inside of CUPS grow about 2.5 times …
Sounding Off: Georgia Pecan Growers Optimistic About Indian Market
By Clint Thompson India is a viable export market for Southeast pecans. Growers who have visited the country attest to its viability as a consumer of pecans. This includes Georgia producer Justin Jones. “The possibility is there. They are the biggest consumers of nuts in the whole world. If every Indian ate two grams of nuts a day, every nut …
UF/IFAS Conference to Address Critical Agribusiness Policy Issues
Florida specialty crop growers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference, scheduled for May 8. The day-long event, hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Food and Resource Economics Department, will address issues, research and policies that shape the state’s agriculture industry. The event will be held …
Nightmare to Optimism for Alabama Strawberry Grower
By Clint Thompson A nightmarish start to the strawberry season late last summer has turned into an optimistic outlook for Alabama grower Jeremy Calvert. Like other producers across the Southeast, Calvert was impacted by Neopestalotiopsis disease when he received transplants prior to the season. However, Calvert is seeing great potential in this year’s crop. “A great many growers in the …