One Virginia Christmas tree farmer urges fellow producers to get into the Christmas tree business. Jim Gehlsen says it requires minimum financial investment with long-term success. Gary Crawford with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has more. Source: USDA Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary …
Ag Commissioner: Important to Protect Georgia Ag from Adversarial Countries
By Clint Thompson The idea that an adversarial country owning land in Georgia is unacceptable to Tyler Harper, Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner. He hopes to take steps next year in ensuring countries like China and Russia are unable to purchase land in the state. “It’s important that we protect agricultural land in Georgia for producers in Georgia and those that are …
UF/IFAS Research: Is Calabaza the Next Great Gourd for Southeast Growers?
If you have eaten at various Caribbean, Central or South American restaurants, you might be familiar with a specialty pumpkin called the calabaza. It is the center of the plate for a team of University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers hoping the gourd is ripe for a new industry in the Southeast. With two years …
What Adverse Effect? NCAE President Discusses Petition to Labor Secretary
By Clint Thompson Why have an adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) if there is no adverse effect on domestic workers? That’s a question that Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), wants answered from Acting Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su. “We’re trying to get her to just simply follow the law …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Reduced Across Southeast
Drought conditions are lessening across the Southeast, due to recent rain events. In the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought has been reduced across areas of North Alabama and North Georgia. Most of South Georgia is drought free, while only a couple of counties in the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. Alabama remains the driest among the three states. …
Next Up: Merged Magazine and New Farm Bill
By Frank Giles This year has been a busy one for specialty crop growers and flew by as we flip the calendar to welcome 2024. The new year will surely be as busy and includes an exciting change here at AgNet Media. Introducing Specialty Crop Grower Beginning in January, AgNet Media will merge two of its magazines. Specialty Crop Industry …
Drought Monitor: Rain Alleviates Some Dry Conditions Across Southeast Region
Increased rainfall last week has alleviated some of the drought conditions being experienced throughout the Southeast. Extreme conditions are beginning to dwindle across North Alabama and Northwest Georgia, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. There are still areas across both regions that are in extreme drought, including in Pickens and Greene counties in west Alabama, stretching northeast to Jackson, Dekalb …
Diversification Continues to Be Key for Cold-Hardy Region
Diversification is key to production remaining sustainable in the cold-hardy citrus region. It is message that industry leaders preach to producers who are looking to grow the citrus industry in North Florida, Georgia and Alabama. John Chater, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, talked about the importance …
Drought Still Widespread Across Southeast
Drought still persists across the Southeast region. But exceptional drought no longer exists in North Alabama and North Georgia, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The northern regions of both states are still classified in an extreme drought. Alabama’s driest areas start as far south as Bibb and Hale counties in the central part of the state and stretch northward …
Adapting to Change is Name of the Game in Ag
By Clint Thompson Adaptation equals survival in the specialty crop sector. If producers are not willing to adapt to the changing agricultural times, their livelihoods will be significantly impacted to the point of extinction. That mindset has elevated one Alabama grower’s business over the last 30 years. “If you cannot adapt in this business, you will not survive,” said John …



















