By Clint Thompson Drought conditions remain a concern across the Southeast, according to the Nov. 27 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Conditions have worsened across South Georgia and North Florida. Exceptional drought conditions are observed in the southern halves of Decatur, Grady, Thomas and Brooks counties. They are also seen in the northern halves of Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson and …
La Niña Looms: Dry Conditions Could Worsen
By Clint Thompson A looming La Niña weather pattern means the current dry conditions across the Southeast are likely to worsen over the next couple of months, according to, Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re going into a La Niña winter, and typically a La Niña winter means we are more likely to have a warmer …
Upon Further Review: Freeze Protection Methods Work Well for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers
By Clint Thompson Upon further review, citrus trees in the cold-hardy citrus region of South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama appeared to have fared well following the Nov. 10-11 freeze event. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, needed a few extra days to look over some of the trees in her area following …
Let the Season Begin: Big Christmas Trees a Popular Purchase
By Clint Thompson It’s the middle of November which means it’s Christmas tree season for Alabama farms and holiday enthusiasts. For one Christmas tree farm, they expect to see a continued trend of bigger trees get sold this holiday season. Steve Mannhard, with Fish River Farms in Baldwin County, Alabama, talked about the trend of shopping for trees that are …
Christmas Come Early: Tree Farms Sell Out Quickly
By Clint Thompson Christmas season starts earlier and earlier. No longer are people waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate their homes for Christmas. And as we saw this year, no longer are some stores waiting until November to offer Christmas lights and decorations for sale. That mindset can also be seen on Christmas tree farms as well. While Thanksgiving Day …
Updated Drought Conditions Across Southeast
The southern part of the Southeast region is experiencing the driest conditions, according to the Nov. 13 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought conditions are seen across South Georgia and North Florida, while severe drought is seen in the southeastern part of Alabama. South Georgia’s driest conditions start in Seminole and Early counties, expand eastward to Brantley and …
Early Bird Registration Underway for 2026 AFVGA Conference and Tradeshow
By Clint Thompson Early bird registration is underway for next year’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) annual conference and tradeshow, scheduled for Feb. 4-6, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The cost for early bird registration is $175 and closes Dec. 31. Regular registration is $225. The conference will be held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in …
Cold-Hardy Citrus Harvest Begins Early
The anticipated disappointment has become a reality for cold-hardy citrus growers; satsuma mandarins are in short supply. The predominant citrus variety grown in the region will not have much of a crop this season as harvests have already begun across the cold-hardy region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. As expected, citrus volume will be short, mostly due …
Ag Groups Urge USDA to Strengthen Buy American Rules for U.S. Schools
By Clint Thompson Multiple agricultural organizations, including the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Alabama Farmers Federation, were part of a coalition that sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the USDA to halt new waivers that weaken Buy American requirements for school food purchases. “For our industries, school meals represent a …
Action Required? Strawberry Growers Brace for Early-Season Cold Snap
By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures in the Southeast the first of next week has strawberry growers contemplating an important decision early in the growing season – apply row covers or do nothing. Temperatures are expected in the high 20s in some locations, which could impact young strawberry plants, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “I see …



















