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 …
Statistically Speaking: Labor Concerns Highlighted During Florida Ag Conference
By Clint Thompson Farmers spend a substantial amount of money every year to operate a labor force for their crops. It’s the defining issue that John Walt Boatright, deals with as director of government affairs at American Farm Bureau. “No matter where we go and no matter who we talk to in farm country, labor continues to be the focal …
Alternate Bearing Affecting Cold-Hardy Citrus Production
Trees in the cold-hardy citrus region are expected to produce a low crop in 2025 following a massive crop in 2024. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, believes the trees’ alternate bearing cycle will contribute to the decreased crop in 2025, especially for satsuma mandarins. “This alternate bearing pattern probably started in 2023. That …
Industry Leader’s Belief in UGA Grand Farm: We Have to Have It
By Clint Thompson The opening of the University of Georgia (UGA) Grand Farm in early May provides hope to specialty crop producers that innovative technologies could one day replace costly labor expenses that are negating potential profits. One fruit grower believes in its mission and helped provide legislative support for the research site, located adjacent to the Perry Fairgrounds. “I …
Let the Harvests Begin: North Florida Watermelon Producers Starting to Harvest Crop
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon harvests are expected to take off this week amid prolonged sunshine in the forecast. In fact, some have already started. “I saw some busses locally that were loaded with watermelons, so apparently somebody started over the weekend,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Mechanical Harvesting Highlighted at Blueberry Meeting
By Clint Thompson Challenges accompany the use of machine harvesters in Florida blueberry production. But as growers who implement the technology on their farms will attest, the long-term benefits are worth the short-term headaches. Ryan Atwood, Kyle Hill and Kyle Straughn were part of a grower panel at a Florida blueberry meeting in Citra on March 6. They agreed that …
Sen. Ossoff Questions Secretary Rollins About Local Foods for Schools Program Cancellation
By Clint Thompson The cancellation of the Local Foods for Schools Program (LFS) left one U.S. Senator asking the Ag Secretary, ‘Why?’ A heated exchange between Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins occurred during the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing on May 6. Ossoff asked why …
Anthracnose on Rise in Peppers
By Clint Thompson Anthracnose in pepper is the basis for research collaboration between the University of Georgia and Cornell University. Incidences of the disease have increased in pepper in recent years, sparking concern of a new species or species complex within the agricultural communities in both Georgia and New York. Because of the lack of treatment methods available to organic …
Precision Ag Conference: We’ve Got to Do More With Less
By Clint Thompson Technological innovations in agriculture were the focus of this year’s Integrative Precision Agricultural Conference. It is likely the key to survival for most farmers, but especially specialty crop producers, explains Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Technology has the potential to be the solution to level the playing field for …
Drought Monitor Update: Florida in Need of Rainfall
The May 8 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions worsening in Florida and expanding in South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Extreme drought is observed in a couple of areas in Florida. One area is centered around Lake, Sumter, Marion, Volusia and Flagler counties. The other is located in the southern area of the state, including Miami-Dade, Monroe, …



















