By Clint Thompson Sustainability was an underlying theme at this year’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show held Feb. 5–7 in Gulf Shores. Seminar sessions and workshops at the event addressed the following questions and more: “When the committee meets and talks about the sessions and what education topics we’re going to hit on every …
What to Know for Blueberry Production: When to Use Automated Harvesters
By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees for State Member Positions
Members of the highbush blueberry industry are seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026 to 2028 term. The nomination period is now open. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced …
Industry Sustainability: Machine Harvesters Needed for Florida’s Blueberry Future
By Clint Thompson Machine harvesters are a necessity for Florida’s blueberry industry to remain viable heading into the future. Considering the input expenses that accompany blueberry production in the Sunshine State, growers need to reduce their labor needs and rely more on automated harvesters. Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, manages another …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength …
Florida Blueberry Producer Optimistic About Crop This Year
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood is a couple of weeks away from harvesting substantial volume. But he’s already feeling optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think at the beginning of the season, you always feel optimistic. But I feel good about the timing,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Briana Naumuk Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to …
Two UF/IFAS-Bred Strawberries Better at Resisting Chilli Thrips
Chilli thrips plague farmers worldwide, but new research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from these pests. The finding comes through research funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program. That’s encouraging news for growers in …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to …
Thrips Threat: N.C. State Studying Pest’s Challenge to State’s Small Fruits
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …



















