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 …
Insect Pests To Be Mindful of in Georgia
By Clint Thompson The current hot and dry weather conditions are conducive conditions for insect pests to build up population levels. That’s the current case in Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed what insect pests that growers should be mindful of as plants are going into the ground. “With it hot and dry, you’re …
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 …
Georgia Citrus Leader: We Need To Be Known For Something
By Clint Thompson Diversification is a key to Georgia’s citrus industry finding sustained success. But producers also need to pinpoint what they can specialize in. It needs to be a couple of specific varieties, emphasizes Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. “We want people to diversify to have a larger …
Income Tax Relief Important for Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Tax relief has been a huge part of this year’s session in the Georgia Legislature. Fuel tax relief was one way the state’s legislators helped Georgians. Another came via state income tax refunds. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 1000 into law on Friday, authorizing the return of almost $1.2 billion in state income tax refunds. The …
Drought Monitor Update: Exceptional Drought in North Florida, South Georgia
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. …
Gas Tax Relief Important for Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Economic relief was a focus during last week’s session in the Georgia Legislature. One of the main impacts was seen on Friday when Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation (HB 1199) which suspends the state’s gas and diesel taxes for 60 days. The suspension was needed amid the conflict in Iran which has led to gas prices …
Diversification Taking Root in Georgia Citrus
The Georgia Citrus Association celebrated its 10th anniversary at its recent annual meeting. Much has changed in the industry over the past decade, specifically how growers have diversified their production to include more than just satsuma mandarins. “The industry was initially built on satsumas, being that they’re cold hardy, so that is still the majority of the varieties in Georgia,” …
Drought Monitor Update: Extreme Conditions Observed in Most of Florida, All of South Georgia
By Clint Thompson The March 5 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme conditions covering almost all of Florida, all of South Georgia and parts of Alabama. Florida Extreme conditions in North Florida start in the Panhandle in Walton and Holmes counties, stretch to the east coast in Nassau, Duval, Saint Johns and Flagler counties; and as far south …



















