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By Clint Thompson Soil tests are a key management strategy for vegetable growers looking to remain sustainable. While soil tests are usually conducted in the fall, it never hurts for farmers to get a refresher on their importance. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, stressed soil tests’ importance during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo held at the University …
By Clint Thompson A week of rainy weather did a lot to reduce the drought-like conditions being experienced across the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, according to the June 25 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama One of the driest parts of Alabama remains in the southeastern part of the state. But it has been reduced to abnormally …
By Frank Giles The Irrigation Association (IA) represents the people and companies who design, build and manage irrigation systems. This includes contractors and growers who rely on those systems every day. According to the IA, its core mission is to support those who make efficient irrigation possible while elevating irrigation’s role in food security, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. The …
Florida blueberry growers are reminded about this summer’s growers meetings hosted by the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. This year’s two meeting are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 in Bartow, Florida, and Wednesday, July 22 in Newberry, Florida. The meetings are free for growers and only $50 for allied partners for both meetings. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with the …
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Farmers have planted cover crops for many years because of the agronomic benefits they provide. Due to how cropping systems are set up, adoption in specialty crops has been somewhat slower. However, cover crops are gaining interest as more growers adopt the practice. The latest National Cover Crop Survey from the Conservation Technology Information …
By Clint Thompson Peach management this year changed quickly in the last few weeks. The drought to start the year reduced disease buildup in orchards in Georgia and Alabama. However, with the recent increase in rainfall, bacterial spot disease is starting to spike in untreated peaches. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, noted the development in …
By Clint Thompson Increased rains in the Southeast means pecan growers in Georgia and Alabama are applying fungicide treatments for scab disease with greater frequency. That means greater potential for Miravis Top to be overused despite being susceptible to resistance. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overusing the highly effective fungicide. “One issue we have …
Negotiations continue between the United States and Mexico in relation to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy held the second round of bilateral negotiations related to the Joint Review of the USMCA on June 15-17, 2026, in Washington, D.C. USTR Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard also met to discuss …
By Frank Giles The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the fragile nature of global supply chains as the movement of many goods was disrupted and delayed for months after shutdowns related to the virus. The conflict in Iran has been a reminder of that vulnerability as oil and fertilizer movement has been disrupted, sending prices higher and feeding uncertainty into the marketplace. …
The next harvest season may still be months away for Florida citrus growers, but management remains a weekly duty. That involves a plethora of chores for grove owners this summer, says Matt Smith, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent for Lake and Orange counties. “Growers definitely need to keep irrigation in mind. And of course, …
