Georgia Legislators Discuss HB 143

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session saw the introduction and passage of HB 143, a bill that places the financial responsibility of installing agricultural irrigation water meters on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, discussed the bill’s passage during a recent webinar hosted by the …

Drought Monitor Update: Conditions Worsening in South Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The May 29 issue of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions expanding and worsening across southern Florida. Abnormally dry conditions cover a wide area of Southwest Georgia, while minimal drought is observed in Alabama. The worst area in Florida is covered in the southwest part of the state. Extreme drought is observed in Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Lee, …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Steve Troxler Spring is one of my favorite times of year as early crops begin to emerge and one of my personal favorites — strawberries — enter their peak growing season in North Carolina. Strawberry season is also a reminder of the agronomic testing services the North Carolina Department of Agriculture offers to growers. This includes soil testing, nematode …

Thirteen South Carolina Entrepreneurs Awarded Funding for Agribusinesses

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

 COLUMBIA – Thirteen entrepreneurs will share $200,000 in funding for their agribusiness ventures through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE).  Finalists for ACRE’s Advanced Entrepreneurship Program were scored by a panel of judges based on their business plans, a five-minute video presentation and a demonstrated history of business success. They are: Under the leadership of …

Bacterial Spot’s Long Impact on Southeast Tomatoes

Clint ThompsonFlorida

This is the first in a two-part series on the disease and UF/IFAS research. By Clint Thompson One tomato disease has long been a thorn in the side of producers throughout the Southeast. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed bacterial spot …

USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Through SCBGP

Clint ThompsonUSDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $72.9 million in grant funding is available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, education and research. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications until July 7, 2025. Eligible applicants are agricultural agencies or departments …

USDA Seeking Feedback From Producers About 2025 Crops, Stocks, Inventories and Values

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 – Over the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey. The agency will contact nearly 92,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2025. “The June Agricultural Survey is one of the most important and …

Southeast Ag Leaders Stress Crop Protection Tools Importance Amid MAHA Commission Report

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop industry leaders are stressing the need for crop protection tools amid a report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission that raises the possibility that the federal government could restrict farmers’ access to these essential inputs. The Modern Ag Alliance highlighted in a press release how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boasts one …

food safety

USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines For Summer Cookouts

Dan CooperAgribusiness, Health, USDA

(WASHINGTON) — As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors …

Drought Monitor Update: Florida Still Mostly Dry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The May 22 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought in central and southern Florida, though conditions are much improved in Georgia and Alabama. Extreme drought is still present in a large area in South Florida. It includes all or parts of such counties as Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. Severe …