Georgia Pecan Growers ‘Very Positive’ Following Challenging Year

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan growers are understandably concerned heading into the 2025 season. Prices are historically low. Hurricane Helene devastated much of last year’s crop. Still, producers remained hopeful at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show. “Moods are here and there. A lot of our growers are very positive and are continuously being positive, …

Sounding Off: Georgia Pecan Growers Optimistic About Indian Market

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson India is a viable export market for Southeast pecans. Growers who have visited the country attest to its viability as a consumer of pecans. This includes Georgia producer Justin Jones. “The possibility is there. They are the biggest consumers of nuts in the whole world. If every Indian ate two grams of nuts a day, every nut …

Points to Consider for North Florida Watermelon Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

North Florida watermelon growers should be wary of a few initial reports of squash bugs impacting fields in the Suwanee Valley. Most are arriving around the perimeter of the fields, noted Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, in his weekly email. Most bugs were still individual …

Early Detection Crucial for Vegetable Growers Managing Thrips Parvispinus

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The earlier the better when detecting and managing Thrips (T.) parvispinus in vegetable crops. The longer South Florida growers wait to scout, the more susceptible their crops become, especially peppers. Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, updated pepper growers about the insect …

Missed Opportunity: Tariffs Fail to Level Playing Field for Southeastern Growers

Clint ThompsonExports/Imports, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration last week did not include products covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That’s a missed opportunity to help Southeast specialty crop growers impacted by seasonal imports, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Our greater concern is just disappointment that we felt like the …

juice market

Juice Market Brings Questions for Georgia Citrus Growers

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Orange Juice

Expansion into the juice market may unlock a profitable marketing opportunity for Georgia citrus growers. But questions remain before growers can start planning this new course of action, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Hamlins and perhaps some early-season Valencias would work here in Georgia,” Savelle said. One question Georgia growers have about entering the juice …

SCFBA

Alabama Producers Obtain Growers Permits

Clint ThompsonAlabama

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers planning to sell fresh products directly to consumers this year should apply for their annual growers permits through their local Alabama Cooperative Extension System county office. “If you sell fresh fruits or vegetables, table eggs or ornamental plants, you need a growers permit,” said Brandy Childress, Chilton County Extension office administrative support associate. “It …

What to Plant: UGA Pecan Specialist Highlights Three Varieties Growers Should Plant

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Variety selection may be the most important choice a Southeast pecan producer makes in their quest to remain sustainable. The variety’s production, combined with a resistance or high tolerance to scab disease, makes it an invaluable choice for growers trying to navigate high input costs and low market prices. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Fresh From Florida Gives Growers Big Marketing Boost

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers have a great story to tell and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to offer consumers. From roadside stands to popular retail outlets, there’s many ways to market and sell produce. Most states provide growers with an opportunity to join their special marketing programs. This year, Specialty Crop Grower will be featuring these …

Christmas Tree Workshop for New Growers

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama farmers and homeowners interested in learning how to grow Christmas trees are invited to attend a Christmas tree workshop, hosted by Alabama Extension. It will be held on April 5 at the Farm House Café in Thorsby, Alabama. Sign in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the classroom educational session being held from 10 a.m. to …