The July issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights WP Rawl, a leading vegetable business in South Carolina that has thrived for nearly 100 years. Ashley Rawl, a third-generation family member and vice president of sales, marketing and product development, talks about the secret to his company’s success. It has had a willingness to adapt to the changing economic climate. …
Georgia Industry Expert: Just Because It’s Cheap Doesn’t Make it Better
By Clint Thompson The specialty crop sector would be challenged to find a company more passionate and devoted to the future and sustainability of its farmers than those affiliated with Lewis Taylor Farms. Bill Brim, co-owner of the farming operation in Tifton, Georgia, has long advocated for the American farmer and against unfair trade which has negatively impacted producers across …
Sneak Peek: June 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts the spotlight on Lipman Family Farms which is celebrating 75 years. It prioritizes people, which includes its large workforce and the desires of consumers it serves. The company has navigated through various economic challenges, which includes rising input costs, especially labor. Elyse Lipman, chief executive officer of Lipman Family Farms, discusses …
Farming’s Future? Precision Ag Conference Highlights Needs for Specialty Crop Industry
By Clint Thompson The International Conference of Integrative Precision Agriculture last week allowed farmers to vent current concerns and industry experts to counter with potential remedies of the future. George Vellidis, conference planning committee chairman, discussed the importance of the two-day event held in Athens, Georgia. “The University of Georgia has identified precision ag as a key area for investment …
Sneak Peek: May 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features an industry leader on the cover while also providing updates on Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries and the recent Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Titan Farms in South Carolina is a leader in peach production in the Southeast. Chalmers Carr, owner of Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, discussed what …
Farmers, Industry Leaders Express Concerns During Farm Bill Listening Session
By Clint Thompson Agricultural leaders and producers in the Southeast voiced their concerns and appreciation to members of the House Committee on Agriculture during a Farm Bill listening session held Monday in Newberry, Florida. The conference room at the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences-Newberry location was standing room only as farmers and industry leaders representing the agricultural sector …
Voices Heard: Farmers, Industry Leaders Express Concerns During Farm Bill Listening Session
By Clint Thompson Agricultural leaders and producers in the Southeast voiced their concerns and appreciation to members of the House Committee on Agriculture during a Farm Bill listening session held Monday in Newberry, Florida. The conference room at the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences-Newberry location was standing room only as farmers and industry leaders representing the agricultural sector …
Alabama Hemp Growers Concerned with Moving Industry Forward
By Clint Thompson Another hemp season is under way across Alabama. The same core group of about 75 producers are still invested in an industry that is still in its early stages of development across the Southeast region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said five different meetings in January generated questions among attendees. Growers voiced their …
Inflation Could Reset Watermelon Industry
By Clint Thompson The current agricultural landscape has one South Georgia watermelon producer in survival mode. Instead of looking ahead five to 10 years down the road, Crisp County’s Greg Leger is taking it one season at a time. “How long can we sustain what’s happening right now? They’re not challenges that we haven’t faced in agriculture before. But we …
Sneak Peek: April 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts watermelons in the spotlight. There is new leadership in the National Watermelon Association. George Szczepanski talks about his new role as NWA executive director after succeeding Bob Morissey, who was in the role for nearly 20 years. Szczepanski inherits an organization amid a challenging era for growers, including high input costs …