optimism

OTC Injections Spark Optimism

Dan CooperHLB Management

It can be hard to have hope if you are a farmer in today’s agricultural climate. It can be even harder to have optimism if you are a Florida citrus grower. Yet, Matt Joyner, Florida Citrus Mutual executive vice president and chief executive officer, has hope that the industry is trending upward even amid HLB and multiple hurricanes in previous …

What to Think About: Disease Concerns for Peach Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Early season fungicide spray programs are critical for peach producers wanting to navigate certain diseases this time of year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about two diseases, in particular, that growers must be wary of. “As we’re moving into the spring, early peach development is very prone to disease. Two …

Watermelon Replant? North Florida Producers Must Consider Options Following Wind Damage

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …

Industry Sustainability: Machine Harvesters Needed for Florida’s Blueberry Future

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Machine harvesters are a necessity for Florida’s blueberry industry to remain viable heading into the future. Considering the input expenses that accompany blueberry production in the Sunshine State, growers need to reduce their labor needs and rely more on automated harvesters. Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, manages another …

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Pecan Inputs Reduced in Affected Areas For This Season

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast Georgia pecan orchards were ravaged last year from Hurricane Helene. Growers impacted by the storm need to be wary of what this year’s crop will look like before investing in it. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the crop outlook during this winter’s county meetings. “Any time we have a major hurricane come …

H-2A Hangup: Some Alabama Producers Not Getting Workers in Timely Fashion

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama is not a large user of the H-2A program. But it is vital to those specialty crop producers who rely on it for an adequate labor force. That’s why it is concerning to hear some growers in the central part of the state not receiving their workforce in a timely manner. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent …

Blueberries: A Healthy, Tasty Snack from Florida Farmers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season, which generally lasts from March through May, growers are shipping the fruit to market to meet statewide and national consumer demand. You can find Florida-grown berries in stores, farmer’s markets and U-picks from the Panhandle through South Florida. Along with vitamin C, manganese and fiber, the fruit is known …

Rye’s Benefits as Windbreak for North Florida’s Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to spout the benefits of rye as a windbreak in watermelon fields in the Suwanee Valley. Their value has been undisputable this year, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He noted in a recent email to Florida growers that rye can protect …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength …