The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), which represents importers of Mexican tomatoes, used a misleading study to distract from Mexico’s record of dumping tomatoes. The study claims that tomato prices will rise by an average of 52% if antidumping duties are imposed on imports of Mexican tomatoes. This conclusion, however, is based on fantasy and not on market …
Current Dry Spell Not Abnormal for This Time of Year
By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweeping through the Southeast is not abnormal for this time of year. It is also not expected to improve anytime soon, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. “The seven-day forecast I looked at (last Thursday night) for rainfall is basically zero for anything that’s north of the border between Georgia …
Drought Conditions Spreading Across Southeast
Drought-like conditions are worsening and spreading across the Southeast, especially in southern Alabama, northern Florida and southwest Georgia. According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme and severe drought conditions are being reported in southwest Alabama. The worst conditions are concentrated in Mobile County and in parts of Escambia, Conecuh and Monrore counties. Severe conditions start in Washington …
Always Seeking Alternatives
By Frank Giles Farmers, by nature, are industrious and curious about finding new ways to become more efficient and profitable. That includes finding the next big crop that could diversify the farm and spread risk. In Florida, the desire to find alternative crops has intensified as citrus acreage has declined in recent years. Often, these crops face obstacles like lack …
It’s Dry Out There: Most of Alabama Experiencing Drought-Like Conditions
Hot and dry conditions remain prevalent across the Southeast. Drought-like conditions are observed across various areas of Alabama, Florida and Georgia, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Dry conditions are observed over most of Alabama, from Mobile and Baldwin counties in the southwest part of the state, all the way to Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison and Jackson counties in North Alabama. …
Pecan Harvests Commencing Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are commencing for early varieties across Georgia and Alabama. Growers should be mindful of last-minute spray applications that might be needed moving forward during this production season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, provides producers a checklist of what they should be wary of heading into harvest season. “Scab sprays have pretty …
GFVGA Optimistic New Farm Bill in Place by End of Year
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hopeful a new Farm Bill will be established sooner rather than later. “We’re still optimistic that we may see a bill come out of the Senate and the House this year. As to whether or not they’ll be able to come together as a conference committee and get …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Rob Last Midlands Philip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet …
Drought Monitor: Dry Weather Expanding, Worsening Across Southeast
Dry weather is expanding and worsening across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest areas are located along the Southwest Alabama-Northwest Florida region. Extreme drought is observed in parts of Mobile, Escambia, Monrore and Conecuh counties in Alabama. Severe drought is seen in other parts of Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Escambia, Monrore and Conecuh counties. Abnormal drought …
Wait and See: Florida Tomato Industry Unsure How New Law Will Impact Labor Force
By Clint Thompson Florida’s controversial immigration law could affect the labor force available for the state’s specialty crop producers this year. That includes the tomato industry. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, spoke during Wednesday’s Tomato Conference in Labelle. He highlighted the law and how growers could be impacted. …