By Clint Thompson Pecan prices are historically low across the country. Growers are losing money if they sell their crop at the current marketed price. “I heard (Monday) from a grower that was offered $1.50 for Desirables. You’re losing money big time at a $1.50 on Desirables,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells may have an …
Strawberry Plant Pathologist Appreciates Nurseries’ Transparency with Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers are risking this year’s crop by growing plug plants impacted by Neopestalotiopsis disease. One industry expert applauds the communication between the nurseries and potential buyers about the risk to this year’s crop. “For one thing I really appreciate the nurseries for being up front and transparent as they’re being. I don’t think we used to …
IFPA CEO Discusses DOL Lawsuit
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Labor’s recent regulations regarding “Worker Protection Rules” was the last straw for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Along with nine co-plantiffs, which includes the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the IFPA filed a lawsuit against the DOL’s (DOL) unconstitutional regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech of farmers. IFPA CEO …
Latest Gulf Storm Not Out of Ordinary for This Time of Year
By Clint Thompson The latest tropical system destined for the Gulf of Mexico is a sign that the storm season is not over and not scheduled to be for another month. Tropical Depression 18 developed in the Caribbean, will soon strengthen into Hurricane Rafael and is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Gulf. It’s normal for a hurricane this …
Protecting Our Produce Act to Be Included in Farm Bill Discussions
By Clint Thompson The plan to implement the Protecting Our Produce Act is for Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02) to include it in the next farm bill. When that bill gets passed remains a point of contention for legislative leaders, with the elections this week. Ossoff and Bishop voiced their concerns over the looming farm bill, which …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Expanding Across Southeast Region
The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions covering all of Alabama and Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Florida’s abnormally dry conditions start in Escambia County and stretches as far east as Taylor and Madison counties. Abnormally dry conditions cover the majority of Georgia, except for a small area in the southeastern part of the state. …
Correct Diagnosis Needed to Differentiate Phytophthora From Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Strawberry production is underway across the Southeast. Though much of the region is in the midst of prolonged dry conditions, disease management figures to play a pivotal role for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. One disease that producers need to be mindful of is phytophthora. Amid the overwhelming concerns farmers had about neopestalotiopsis prior to planting …
Market Confusion: Pecan Prices Low Despite Diminished Supply, Strong Demand
Crop markets usually operate on the law of supply and demand. That’s not the case with the current pecan market, however. Amid staggering crop losses to Georgia’s pecan crop following Hurricane Helene, along with continued strong demand, prices are devastatingly low for producers in the Southeast. “Morale is very low right now,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …
Farmer Following Two Hurricanes: It’s A Lot to Take
By Clint Thompson One major hurricane is enough to devastate a farming operation. How about two in less than a two-week span? It’s enough to rattle any specialty crop producer. L&M Family Farms has farming operations throughout Florida and one in Georgia. It was hit hard by Hurricane Helene when it moved through North Florida and South Georgia on Sept. …
UF/IFAS Supports Florida After Hurricanes Helene, Milton
Despite some having their own homes without power or damaged in the wake of Hurricane Helene, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) faculty and staff across North Florida readied themselves as an Incident Command Post was established at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds. “Our Extension agents got to work quickly, helping farmers put up fences, clear debris …



















