Quiet Tropics: Reminder That Average Date for First Atlantic Hurricane is Aug. 11

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The tropics have been surprisingly quiet in the Atlantic so far, especially when compared to previous years. But specialty crop producers should be mindful that the average date for the first hurricane in the Atlantic is still a week away. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current state in the tropics on …

Sneak Peek: August 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonSneak peek

The August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the announcement that block grants will deliver disaster aid to Florida farmers. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Florida in July to make the announcement regarding disaster relief which will help growers recover from hurricanes that have impacted the state in recent years. Farm labor remains a trendy topic throughout the specialty …

learning process

Cold-Hardy Citrus Production: A Learning Process

Dan CooperCold Hardy

Production in the cold-hardy citrus region continues to be a learning process for growers. Producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama are learning this year the price of alternate bearing for their satsuma mandarin crop. After a heavy crop load last season, production is expected to taper off quite a bit this season across the cold-hardy citrus region. …

Southeast Specialty Crop Leaders Provide Overview of Production Season

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable farmers have mostly concluded their summer harvests and are now preparing for the upcoming fall season. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted the challenges associated with spring production and what growers experienced this summer’s harvests. “I think it kind of depends on who you ask. In …

Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Expanding Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A summer with persistent rains is turning dry across some areas in the Southeast, according to the July 24 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. South Florida remains the area most impacted by prolonged dry conditions. Extreme drought is observed in the western part of Miami-Dade County. Severe drought is also seen in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and …

Poor Air Flow in Pecan Orchards Contributing to More Scab Disease

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab disease has been more prevalent in some pecan orchards this year compared to others. A significant factor is how tight some trees are in orchards and the lack of air flow that is circulated. That has contributed to the disease being more problematic for some Southeast producers than others, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension …

Tomato Leader: Immediate, Long-Term Impacts From Suspension Agreement Termination

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The termination of the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement will have immediate and long-term impacts on the tomato industry. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, described what he envisions the ramifications will be following last week’s historic decision. “I think as we move from summer into the fall, winter season, I think what you’re …

Increased Scab Disease in Pecan Orchards Amid Rainy Summer

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab disease’s persistence in this year’s Southeast pecans says more about the amount of rain the region has received this summer than fungicide ineffectiveness. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, spoke about the subject in a recent UGA Extension Pecan Blog. He emphasized that rainfall accumulation has been high during June and July, including in …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Addressing Farm Stress Together

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Taylor Sewell Following the Mind Your Melon Foundation’s inaugural Think Outside the Barn (TOTB) event, I am more hopeful than ever for the future of mental health in agriculture. The event was held in May at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida. While framed as a benefit, the event served as a deeper extension of the organization’s vision: To …

Region’s Specialty Crop Leaders Applaud National Farm Security Action Plan

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Farm security is national security, and the Trump administration is ensuring both are protected with the National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan highlights agriculture as a focus of the nation’s national security, addressing threats from foreign adversaries, including China. “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, …