There has been much concern in recent years on regulatory restrictions that are or could potentially limit crop protection tools growers have available to manage key pests. One such example was the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ban on the use of chlorpyrifos. The EPA revoked the tolerances for all uses of chlorpyrifos in 2021. The product had been an …
USDA ERS Study: Blueberry Second Most Popular U.S. Produced Berry
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study concludes that blueberries are the second most popular berry in terms of value and volume of U.S. production. Highbush and lowbush varieties are the two main types, with highbush blueberries being used for the fresh market and lowbush used in the processed market. Approximately 90% of the total domestic …
Let the Plantings Begin: Vidalia Onion Growers Benefit from Lack of Tropical System
By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion producers dodged Hurricane Idalia went it passed through the Southeast on Aug. 30. That, so far, has turned out to be the area’s only threat of a tropical system this fall. It has been a positive development for growers who are on the verge of transplanting this year’s crop, says Chris Tyson, University of …
Current Dry Period Impacting Cover Crop Establishment
By Clint Thompson Drought-like conditions continue to plague the Southeast region. That has made establishing cover crops a challenge for specialty crop producers hoping to utilize the management strategy. Extended periods of dry weather in the fall can impact cover crops being produced, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. …
N.C. Strawberry Producers Delayed in Planting Strawberries
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) strawberry producers are late in getting their plants in the ground this fall. But it should not have long-term repercussions, according to Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. Wrenn said there were delays in his growers receiving plant materials, and it stemmed from poor weather conditions in Canada. The nursery stock …
Sneak Peek: November 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Will Jordan The November 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine will be hitting mailboxes and inboxes soon! Elias Eldayrie, University of Florida Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, shares how the hot technology of Artificial Intelligence is set to “supercharge” ag research, improve learning and benefit the specialty crop industry. Rebeckah Adcock, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) …
Cold-Hardy Citrus Growers Gather for Field Day
Production in the cold-hardy citrus region was under the spotlight during a recent field day in Quincy, Florida. Growers and industry leaders visited the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) to learn about various facets of citrus production. Topics like controlled-release fertilizers, crop diversification and implementation of artificial intelligence …
Lingering Drought: Water Needs Continue for Pecan Crop
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are well underway across the Southeast. Some varieties have not reached maturity stage yet. As a result, growers should not abandon their irrigation needs, especially as the current drought lingers and worsens across Alabama and Georgia, according to last Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses …
Drought Update: Dry Conditions Worsening Across Southeast Region
The lack of rainfall over the past week led to drought conditions worsening and expanding across areas of the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor update. An extreme drought is observed in multiple areas across Alabama. One area is in the southwest part of the state in parts of Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Monrore, Conecuh and Escambia counties. North …
GFVGA Advises Growers to Carefully Consider FLSP Program
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) cautions its specialty crop producers about participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program). The GFVGA wants growers to carefully consider what is required of their farming operations to participate in the grant program that will use up to $65 million …



















