Lot of Tonnage Left: North Florida Watermelon Harvests Continue

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon harvests are in their fourth week across the Suwanee Valley region. One industry expert believes there is still more than half of the crop remaining. “There are many fields that are basically in the first harvesting. I would say we have a lot of tonnage out in the fields yet to be harvested if …

Sneak Peek: June 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

The June issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights peach production throughout the Southeast. Research plots at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, focus on peach production in high-density orchards. The research includes increased trees per acre, higher yields and automation to handle more of the manual …

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Large Fruit Size Could Be Problem for Cold-Hardy Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Production

Fruit in the cold-hardy citrus region is expected to be in short supply next season due to the trees’ alternate bearing cycle. The fruit also could be too large to sell, creating another concern for growers heading into next season. “Trees with a low crop load tend to have large fruit,” noted Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor …

Weather Forecasts: Warmer Temps This Summer

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The upcoming summer months are projected to be warmer than normal. That’s the forecast shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in the UGA Extension Climate Blog that the forecast of warmer temperatures in June through August is not a surprising prediction. She said it is …

Southeast Ag Leaders Stress Crop Protection Tools Importance Amid MAHA Commission Report

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop industry leaders are stressing the need for crop protection tools amid a report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission that raises the possibility that the federal government could restrict farmers’ access to these essential inputs. The Modern Ag Alliance highlighted in a press release how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boasts one …

Drought Monitor Update: Florida Still Mostly Dry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The May 22 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought in central and southern Florida, though conditions are much improved in Georgia and Alabama. Extreme drought is still present in a large area in South Florida. It includes all or parts of such counties as Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. Severe …

Overview of Florida’s Peach Industry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Adequate chilling and warm temperatures in early spring helped Florida’s peach crop to develop as they should. As a result, growers enjoy a productive season with this year’s crop. “We had a normal year in terms of chilling, with the accumulative chilling in November and December. They bloomed in the middle of January, and they had enough …

Pecan Nut Casebearer Update

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Maegan Beatty Southeast pecan growers face an ongoing challenge from a tiny but destructive pest called the pecan nut casebearer. The insect targets young pecan buds and shoots in early spring, usually before the nuts have a chance to develop. If left unmanaged, infestations can severely reduce crop yields and weaken tree health. The pecan nut casebearer is most …

FFVA Issues Letter Concerning H-2A Program

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is calling for the repeal of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology Rule and the H-2A Worker Protection Rule; action that would impact the current labor crisis, including in Georgia and Alabama. The FFVA submitted a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The repeal is necessary since both …

Sunburn a Concern for Watermelon Crop

Clint ThompsonAs Seen On Instagram, Florida

By Clint Thompson High temperatures this week have watermelon producers concerned about potential sunburn on this year’s crop. It could impact growers in the North Florida region who have already started harvesting and those in South Georgia and South Alabama that are still a few weeks away. “In some cases, these fields that haven’t been walked over yet, as long …