Factors to Consider When Producing Muscadines

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeder Patrick Conner advises would-be growers about producing the grape in the Southeast. During a field day on Aug. 17 at the UGA Tifton Campus, Conner said producers should be wary about two factors if they pursue growing the crop. The first is letting the vine overcrop. There is a danger in …

Victory for Users of H-2A Program

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia and Florida scored a court victory on Monday. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia granted a preliminary injunction, halting the effective date of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) controversial Farmworker Protection Rule. The DOL cannot enforce the rule in the 17 states that were involved in challenging …

Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo a Sweet Success

Clint ThompsonCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Florida

By Clint Thompson The annual Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo was once again a sweet success for AgNet Media, organizers of the show, which was held Wednesday and Thursday in Tampa, Florida. Farmers, research specialists and industry experts flocked to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, to learn about research pertaining to citrus production and trendy topics affecting citrus …

UF/IFAS Scientists Use AI to Improve Strawberry Disease Detection

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

Florida’s strawberry season doesn’t return until December. But University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers work year-round to support an industry with a $500 million-a-year farm-gate value in Florida. Among their research endeavors, UF/IFAS scientists search for ways to help growers control diseases that threaten strawberries. Most of Florida’s 13,500 acres of strawberries are grown in …

Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Day One: ‘Agriculture Matters’ for Florida Sen. Collins

Clint ThompsonCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida Sen. Jay Collins’ presence at this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo emphasized the importance he’s placing on helping specialty crop producers to remain sustainable; now and into the future. Collins joined Florida Rep. Danny Alvarez in discussing agriculture and its impact in legislative issues during Wednesday’s general session of the Expo at the Florida State …

Vidalia Onion Committee is Seeking New Member Nominations

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

Vidalia, GA — The Vidalia® Onion Committee (VOC) is seeking nominations from industry producers to serve on the committee. The VOC elects eight new nominees annually as part of an annual process. Four members and four alternate seats are currently available on the committee. The VOC administers the federal marketing order locally and consists of eight producer members and their …

Meet UGA’s New Peach and Citrus Breeder

Clint ThompsonCitrus, Georgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) turned to one of its own to man the newly created peach and citrus breeder position in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Dario Chavez joined UGA in 2014 and has conducted peach research on the UGA Griffin Campus for the past 10 years. Chavez will expand his research to …

Pricing Produce Directly to Consumers: Farmers Urged to Know Costs

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Instead of taking what the broker or retailer feels like paying, small- and medium-sized farmers who sell directly to consumers should track costs, determine what they want to earn and set their own produce prices, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts say. Growers should base their prices on their costs, said Kim Morgan, a UF/IFAS …

How’s It Looking? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins We are having very large stinkbug populations in the Upstate, primarily …

Dragon Fruit Workshop Spurs Excitement, Collaboration for Robust Industry in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Dragon fruit is a heart-healthy superfood, low in calories and fueled with plenty of fiber and antioxidants – and it’s in high demand among consumers worldwide. An increasing number of consumers are growing this fruiting cactus vine in their home gardens and are finding new ways to include it as a key ingredient to main dishes, in desserts and drinks. …