By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent in the Southeast this year. The prolonged drought that impacted the region from last September to May is a big reason why. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes the lack of disease impact this year will continue through the end of harvests, typically around late July. …
AFVGA Regional Meeting Scheduled for June 25
Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers should mark their calendars for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association’s (AFVGA) regional meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. in Cullman County. The networking event and farm tour will be held at J. Calvert Farms. It is located at 30 Co Road 260, Cullman, Alabama, 35057. Dinner will be provided for …
Updated Drought Conditions Across Southeast
The June 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows improved drought areas in states like Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Alabama Alabama has received its share of rain in recent weeks. Much of Alabama is showing no drought at all, indicating sufficient moisture. It is noticeable in the southwestern part of the state, throughout central Alabama and up through the …
All It Takes Is One: Decreased Chance for Tropical System Development in El Niño Weather Pattern
By Clint Thompson The looming El Niño weather pattern means a decreased chance for tropical systems to develop during the summer and fall. But all it takes is one to have an impact, explains James Spann, chief meteorologist at the Alabama Weather Network. “The consensus is very high that we are going into an El Niño phase. Traditionally, in an …
Drought Monitor Update Across Southeast
Exceptional drought conditions have all but gone away in South Georgia, while they have also been drastically reduced in North Florida. This is according to the June 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia Exceptional drought in Georgia has been reduced to the southernmost areas in Lowndes and Echols counties. The surrounding Southeast Georgia area is still observing extreme …
Pecan Growers Be On Alert: Increased Rains Could Lead to Spike in Scab Pressure
By Clint Thompson The prolonged drought impacting the Southeast region has quickly become a weather event of the past. “Looks like we’re getting back into that regular summertime pattern where it’s like it’s been the last couple of years. June gets here and it starts raining so much that it gets hard to keep (pecans) sprayed,” said Lenny Wells, University …
Overcoming Poor Fruit Set in Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Poor fruit set in tomatoes is a bi-product of the heat and humidity felt across Alabama this time of year; when daytime temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or nighttime temperatures exceed 70 F. Wade Hummer, Alabama Extension agent, discussed poor fruit set during a webinar on Facebook. “Once you start seeing the nighttime temps above 70 …
Drought Update Across Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson Finally! Persistent rains in recent weeks have finally impacted the exceptional drought conditions being observed in South Georgia and North Florida. Georgia According to the May 28 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought in Georgia is concentrated more to the southeastern part of the state. It starts in parts of Thomas and Brooks counties, expands …
Drought Update Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson The recent rainfall experienced across the Southeast has done little to alleviate the drought-like conditions being observed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida According to the May 21 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought conditions still persist across much of North Florida and Southeast Georgia. The driest conditions in North Florida start in Bay, Gulf …
Current Drought Could Spark Hotter, Drier Conditions This Summer
By Clint Thompson If history is an indicator, this spring’s drought could lead to warmer and drier conditions this summer. James Spann, chief meteorologist at the Alabama Weather Network, discussed the unusually dry conditions that encompassed the Southeast for approximately nine months in an interview with AgNet Media. He said the last time dry conditions were this bad during the …



















