Georgia Blueberry Producers Be Wary of Fungicide Resistance with Fruit Rots

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Fruit rots are an annual concern for Georgia blueberry producers. But fungicide resistance is gaining traction as a worry for farmers moving forward. Blueberry farmers have the fungicides needed to manage fruit rots every year. But they need to be mindful of not putting all their effort into one specific mode of action, explains Jonathan Oliver, University …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Blueberry Growers Gather for Annual Meeting

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles In October, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association hosted its annual meeting in Lakeland. Educational sessions focused on a variety of topics that are top-of-mind for growers. Grower Survey Results Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, shared results of his annual grower survey. There were 61 growers responding, covering …

Mix Up Holiday Drinks with These Florida-Inspired Mocktails

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Imagine sipping on a bubbly, refreshing drink at your next holiday gathering, surrounded by family and friends. But this time, the mixture in your hand isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious. That’s what you get when you make holiday mocktails with Florida-grown produce, and they pack a punch in terms of health benefits. Fresh citrus fruit juices from oranges, …

Field Day Impact: UF/IFAS Empowers Growers with Valuable Insights

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Billie Rooney and her husband, Scott, operate a 40-acre farm near Live Oak, Florida, where they grow blueberries, blackberries and sunflowers and raise livestock. Farming is a second career for the Rooneys. So, they had a lot to learn. She and hundreds of other farmers and ranchers across Florida can attest to the importance of lessons learned from any of …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Bringing World’s Produce Industry Together

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) remains committed to “fighting for fresh.” IFPA serves as a strong advocate for farmers and strives to increase consumption of specialty crops around the world. Cathy Burns, chief executive officer of IFPA, shared her organization’s message during the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta in mid-October. “We’re going to fight …

Sneak Peek: December 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonSneak peek

The cover story of the December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Southern Hill Farms in Lake County, Florida. Diversification is the name of the game for David Hill and his family’s farming operation. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and vegetable crops are available, which has widened the you-pick season through the fall, winter and spring seasons. The International Fresh Produce …

New Administration Brings Energy, Hope That Ag Issues Get Resolved

Clint ThompsonTrade

By Clint Thompson A new administration in the White House beginning in 2025 provides a fresh start for the agricultural community. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., discussed the ramifications of the November election and what can be expected in the agricultural industry moving forward. “I think …

Stats Don’t Lie: GFVGA Executive Director Explains Need for Assistance with Imports

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Labor

By Clint Thompson Statistics support claims by industry experts that imports are negatively impacting fresh fruits and vegetables being produced across the Southeast. It’s why Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), has been adamant that legislative help is needed and why the Protecting Our Produce Act would be a good first step for …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: 2024 Hurricanes Rock Fruit, Vegetable Producers

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The fall of 2024 will not soon be forgotten by specialty crop growers in the Southeast after Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared ashore bringing far-reaching impacts to crops and infrastructure. While the true fallout of the storms will take months to realize, early reports show the level of damage growers are dealing with in …