By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …
NWA Executive Director Advocates for H-2A Improvements
By Clint Thompson Amid current delays in the H-2A system, one agricultural leader expressed his feelings about the program and its impact on his specific sector. George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association (NWA), discussed the program in an interview with AgNet Media. He described it as a “necessary evil.” “I will say the program itself has a …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Glyphosate Legal Battles Rage On
By Frank Giles The legal battles over glyphosate’s potential liability for causing cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma, have been raging for more than a decade. Recent developments have the herbicide back in the spotlight as a case is being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS). The case is Monsanto v. Durnell. SCOTUS is reviewing a jury verdict awarding John Durnell …
Increased Costs for Watermelon Growers As Limited Volume Expected Out of Florida
By Clint Thompson Production costs are up for Southeast watermelon growers. That’s created concern for producers with harvest season just around the corner for much of the region. “I think what’s on the forefront of everybody’s minds is the challenges with costs we’re seeing already,” said George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. “As a result from the …
‘Exceptional’ Drought Expanding in South Georgia, North Florida
By Clint Thompson One of the worst droughts in recent memory in the Southeast continues to worsen, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Exceptional Drought Exceptional drought conditions range from counties in the Florida Panhandle, like Gulf, Calhoun and Jackson counties; eastward to Nassau, Baker and Bradford in North Florida; and southward to Levy and …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Harper Announces Extension on Helene Block Grant Applications
ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced last Thursday that the deadline for impacted producers to submit applications to the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program has been extended by two weeks to May 11, 2026, at midnight due to the current state of emergency. “We will always do everything in our power to support Georgia farm families when …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Producers Seek USMCA Improvements
By Frank Giles When the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect in July 2020, specialty crop growers in the Southeast were disappointed the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement did little to protect their domestic interests and markets. When the agreement was crafted, it included a provision that the USMCA would undergo a joint review to assess …
USDA Issues Second Supplemental Disaster Payment to Farmers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is maximizing disaster assistance support for producers by issuing a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to eligible producers who have approved program applications for losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already provided …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Citrus Show a Day of Education, Enjoyment
By AgNet Media Staff The Florida Citrus Show marked another successful event in March in Fort Pierce. The show provided attendees with a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate-style trade show. CRAFT Update Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) programs have been very popular with growers and have incentivized …
NCAE CEO Discusses Interim Final Rule
By Clint Thompson The interim final rule (IFR) revising the methodology used to determine H-2A’s adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) was a win for specialty crop growers. The industry will score an even bigger victory once the rule becomes permanent. John Hollay, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), discussed the interim final rule and what …



















