USDA NASS: Update on Pecan Acreage, Price

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s bearing pecan acres continues to increase, though its yield per acre dropped in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Georgia’s acreage has increased from 139,000 acres in 2021, to 146,000 acres in 2022 and 148,000 acres in 2023. However, its yields per acre dropped from 898 pounds in …

Citrus Expansion in Southwest Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Citrus

By Clint Thompson One Alabama Extension agent is optimistic about his region’s citrus production expanding in the near future. Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, discussed the future of citrus in his coverage area, which consists mostly of satsuma mandarins. “At times it seems like (acres are) going down, but I will tell you I’ve had a lot …

Important Week for Sweet Corn Producers

Clint ThompsonCorn, Florida

By Clint Thompson The week prior to Memorial Day weekend is usually prime time for Florida’s sweet corn producers. This year is not any different, according to Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). “In terms of supply, we’ve got excellent supply in Florida for the holiday. I think you …

UGA Extension Coordinator Discusses Challenges Facing Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Watermelon

John Bennett: “Everything is conducive right now for everything to go wrong.” By Clint Thompson Watermelons produced in Wilcox County, Georgia, are at baseball to softball size in most fields. Considering the late start to the planting season for most growers, that development is not far off for this time of year. John Bennett, University of Georgia (UGA) Wilcox County …

What’s Next? How Pecan Producers Should Proceed if Crop Has Drift Damage

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Herbicide drift’s impact on orchards in the Southeast has left many pecan producers wondering how to proceed. What should they do? Who should they contact? What evidence needs to be collected? Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, emphasizes the importance of documenting damage. “To cover all of their bases, in case there is an issue, …

U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Minimal Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonDrought

Heavy rains over the past week have helped alleviate much of the drought-like conditions being observed across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest area remains in southern Florida. Abnormally dry conditions and moderately dry conditions are seen in the central and southern parts of the state. Abnormally dry conditions start as far north as Volusia and …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Growers Advised to Have Heat Plan in Place

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson Without an official heat standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fruit and vegetable producers must consider OSHA recommendations for a heat plan as requirements. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), conveyed that belief following a webinar the association presented in March. The webinar shined a light …

Wet Weather Impact: Insect Pests Down

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson Insect populations are down across the Southeast. The deluge of recent rainfall has stalled the whitefly numbers, while other insects have also not been able to find footing so far this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “This is the time of year where squash bugs will come out after overwintering, …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Tracking Progress of Region’s Fruits, Vegetables

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson Sweet Corn Picks Up After Slow Start Florida sweet corn volume was expected to ramp up during the first couple of weeks in April. The increased production was needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. The record rainfall kept growers from being able to access the field for …

Pay Attention: Pecan Nut Casebearer a Concern for Southeast Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The time is now for Southeast pecan producers to pay attention to pecan nut casebearer, a pest that can devastate pecan trees if left unchecked. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, noted in the UGA Pecan Blog that the tiny nutlets on the trees’ terminal branches are exposed to feeding by the casebearer caterpillars. …