Cover Crops Cost Effective Way in Reducing Nematodes

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Cover crops remain a cost effective way of managing nematodes in Florida. That was a message touted by Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, at the recent Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Desaeger updated attendees …

Drought Monitor Update: Conditions Not Improving

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson Drought conditions did not improve over the past week. In fact, conditions only worsened across most of the Southeast region, according to the March 26 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida The driest part of Florida remains in the northern and southern regions of the state. Exceptional drought has expanded in North Florida to include Calhoun, …

USDA NASS Report: Most of U.S. Rented Farmland Is Owned by Non-Farmers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

More than two million landowners rented out 348 million acres of farmland, according to the results of the 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey, released this month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Of these acres, 79% are owned by non-farming landlords. Non-operating landlords include entities who rent out agricultural land …

Commissioner Simpson Celebrates Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill

Clint ThompsonFlorida

SEBRING, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County this week as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities. …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Freeze Devastates Florida Crops

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson The freeze that struck Florida in late January and early February brought the coldest air to the state in more than a decade. Freezing temperatures caused significant damage to specialty crops across the state. In many areas, the frigid temperatures held for hours, exacerbated by high winds that thwarted freeze-protection efforts many growers tried …

Drought Monitor Update: Exceptional Drought in North Florida, South Georgia

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The March 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows exceptional drought in North Florida and South Georgia, the part of the region that is the driest in the Southeast. Georgia Exceptional drought conditions in South Georgia are located in parts of Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes and Echols counties, while the remaining region is still suffering through extreme drought conditions. …

Vidalia Onion Pack Date Set For April 13

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

VIDALIA, GA – The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee officially announced the 2026 pack date this week. Vidalia onion enthusiasts nationwide can mark their calendars for April 13, when the sweet onions will start shipping to grocery stores, bringing a taste of Georgia’s unique agricultural heritage to kitchens everywhere. “I’m excited to announce, in coordination with the …

How’s It Going? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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. Lowcountry Report Zack Snipes Midlands Report Rob Last Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to …

Fun, Informative Day at Florida Citrus Show

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show on Thursday provided attendees a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate style format; all happening in Fort Pierce, Florida. Attendees flocked to South Florida to learn about how different trends are impacting the citrus and specialty crop industries through the various seminar …

U.S. and Mexico: Preliminary USMCA Discussions Set to Begin Week of March 16

Clint ThompsonTrade

Two of the three countries in the USMCA agreement announced last week their intentions to begin talks the week of March 16 ahead of a review of the free trade agreement. U.S Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United …