citrus canker

Citrus Canker Spreading in Cold-Hardy Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Disease

Citrus canker has long been a presence and concern for Florida’s citrus growers. Growers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama should be wary of its potential spread into the cold-hardy citrus region. Clive Bock, a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoke about the disease during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Meeting at the University of …

Ag Leaders Disappointed with Increased AEWR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are once again facing a substantial increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2025. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing a 9% increase to $16.08, an increase of $1.40 per hour from the previous rate of $14.68 in 2024. Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the …

Sen. Ossoff Testimony: Disaster Assistance Needed by End of Year

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff pressed both political parties on Wednesday on the urgency of passing agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before the end of the year. Ossoff testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations on the urgent need to support Georgia agriculture after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. “The numbers are staggering, but this isn’t about …

GFVGA Eager to Tell Its Story to New Administration

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is eager to work with the President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration. Though this will mark Trump’s second term as president, his administration will look much differently. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed his organization’s mindset when working with newly appointed leaders …

Risk Takers: What Strawberry Growers Should Remember About Neopestalotiopsis

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson The serious threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry plants this fall means growers need to be aware of the management options at their disposal. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed the available options for producers who risked this …

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Florida Ag Production Losses Top $40 Million

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The agricultural production losses Florida experienced due to Hurricane Helene have an estimated value between $40.3 million and $162.2 million, according to a preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and surveys UF/IFAS economists distributed to producers.  …

Drought Worsening in Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Drought conditions are worsening in some parts of the Southeast while improving in others, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought is starting to show in some counties in Alabama. One area is in North Alabama in Limestone and Madison counties. Another is located in Southwest Alabama in Marengo, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Dallas …

November Storm: What Remains of Sara to Impact Florida, Gulf Coast

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A November tropical storm threat is not uncommon for the Southeast. That means increased rainfall chances this week for the region’s specialty crop producers from what remains of Tropical Storm Sara. The storm formed in the western Caribbean, made its way into the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and is slated to impact parts of the …

To Sell or Store: Pecan Producers Face Dilemma

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson To sell or not to sell. That is the current predicament facing pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. With prices devastatingly low for growers, despite increased demand and diminished supply, farmers are facing a dilemma of whether to sell their crop right away or store it until the market improves. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …

shiranui

Shiranui Gaining Popularity in Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Varieties

Leaders in the cold-hardy citrus region have long advocated for growers to diversify their crop portfolios. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, has wanted citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama to plant alternatives to satsuma mandarins, which has been the predominant citrus type produced in the region. Diversification helps extend the harvest season. …