By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan quality and quantity was down this year. The prolonged drought is the main reason why, says Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate. “Numbers are way down. That drought hurt us pretty good. They were as small as they’ve been in a long time. Wasn’t a good year,” Wilkins said. “We were wet, but when it …
Budget Highlights Second Week in Georgia’s Legislative Session
By Clint Thompson Budget was the theme of the second week of the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley highlighted the budgetary focus. “We just wrapped up week two of the legislative session. The second week is always budget week, joint House and Senate Appropriation Committees met where they heard from Gov. (Brian) Kemp and …
USDA Launches Online Portal for Reporting Foreign-Owned Ag Land Transactions
(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new online portal to streamline reporting of transactions involving U.S. agricultural land by foreign persons, which can include businesses and governments, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The new online portal is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and protect American farmland …
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 Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary …
Application Period Now Open for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
RALEIGH –The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant proposal applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities wishing to apply have until March 10 at 5 p.m. The Specialty Crop Block Grant …
Drought Update: Conditions Remain Dire Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions continue to linger across the Southeast, according to the Jan. 15 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama The driest area remains in Southeast Alabama, South Georgia and North Florida. Severe conditions in Alabama start in the southeast corner of the state in Houston and Henry counties, expand northward to Lee and Chambers counties and westward to Escambia, …
FFVA Letter Addresses H-2A Visa Delays
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with the National Council of Agricultural Employers and Western Growers Association, issued a letter to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in December, regarding concerns over delays in the administrative processing of H-2A visas. The letter addressed how workers are being delayed by consular administrative processing. Leaders …
2025 Weather Recap: Drier Than Normal Conditions in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Weather statistics for 2025 indicated a drier than normal year for the Southeast. It was the driest in Florida, South Georgia and Alabama, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. She noted in the UGA Climate and Agriculture Blog that last year’s weather, especially during the fall, was warmer and drier than usual. …
What’s the Timeframe? Transitioning to Organic Production
Specialty crop producers interested in transitioning to organic production must understand the significant timeframe associated with the transition. Alabama Extension reminds growers that, in order for farms to become certified organic, farms must undergo a transition period of at least three years during which no prohibited substances, like synthetic pesticides, can be used. Growers must adhere to organic practices during …
Booth Sales Open for Florida Citrus Show
The next big citrus event, hosted by AgNet Media, is about two months away. This year’s Florida Citrus Show with Specialty Crops is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Booth prices are still available for those vendors interested in attending. The standard exhibit space is $525, while the equipment exhibit space is $575. Space is limited, and …



















