By Frank Giles Regenerative agriculture has been a buzzword that dates back to the 1980s. It has had flashes of popularity over the years and is enjoying another moment in the spotlight thanks to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers …
Georgia Agribusiness Council President Recaps ‘Solid Legislative Session’ for Agriculture
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session was a “solid session for agriculture.” That’s the view shared by Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley following the session’s conclusion last week. “I would score the 2026 legislative session as a solid session for agriculture. We really went in with a goal of holding court and making sure there was no harm …
North Carolina $221 Million Federal Disaster Block Grant Application Period Open
RALEIGH – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced that the application period is open for three of the four categories that producers can apply for $221 million in USDA block grant disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene losses. The block grant has four program categories, with an application required for each category in each county that a farmer or …
‘Unusual’ Spring Drought Expands, Worsens
By Clint Thompson Drought across the Southeast region continues to expand and worsen, according to the April 2 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest part of the region is located in South Georgia and North Florida with exceptional drought conditions being reported. Extreme drought expands from South Georgia to the central part of the state, while the eastern …
Delays Impacting H-2A Program
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers should be aware that access to workers in the H-2A program is being delayed. John Hollay, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, acknowledged that H-2A processing delays are currently being experienced. “What we’re seeing are some challenges with the program and getting folks in on a timely manner,” Hollay …
Alabama Extension Specialist Cautions Growers About Potential Insect Concerns
By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry weather conditions in parts of Alabama have been conducive for insect populations to build up. One insect pest is a concern this time of year, especially for tomato growers, explains Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “Right now, we are looking for some thrips,” Cremonez said. “They’re starting to show up …
Drought Expected to Persist in Short Term
By Clint Thompson Current dry conditions in the Southeast are not expected to improve in the short term, which is challenging news for producers who are preparing to plant or currently are planting their crops. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its spring outlook for climate conditions. Southeast growers must be aware that the prolonged drought may …
Sneak Peek: April 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Florida fourth-generation farmer BJ Wilkerson and how his farming family seeks to solve the sustainability puzzle. Wilkerson is based in Gilchrist County, grows watermelon and attributes long-term sustainability to multiple factors like crop diversification, crop rotation and grafting watermelon plants to combat fusarium wilt disease. The …
SCFBA Co-Chair Calls for Increased Economic Assistance for Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson The specialty crop sector is in need of further economic assistance, a lot more than the $1 billion allotted through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program. That’s the message that the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), including co-chair Kam Quarles, is trying to get across to legislative leaders. “We’re very, very focused on getting economic …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
Partnership Ensures North Carolina Ag Has Seat At Table By Tori Rumenik Agriculture is North Carolina’s largest industry, generating more than $111 billion in economic impact and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state. North Carolina leads the nation in commodities such as sweetpotatoes, tobacco and turkeys and ranks near the top in many others, such as hogs …



















