By Clint Thompson Disaster relief assistance took too long for Southeast growers impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) ensured his farmers that history would not repeat itself following Hurricane Helene, which moved through the region on Sept. 26-27. Ossoff’s bipartisan push helped spur the Senate to pass legislation last weekend that included $21 billion agricultural disaster …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
By Kenneth Parker Committed Florida Strawberry Industry Back on Track For over a century, eastern Hillsborough County has been the cornerstone of the Florida strawberry industry. Today, the industry spans nearly 15,000 acres and contributes more than $1.5 billion to the local economy in eastern Hillsborough alone. The industry is composed of 65 farm families, many of whom have been …
Rainfall a Difference Maker in Some Alabama Pecan Orchards
Rainfall a Difference Maker in Some Alabama Pecan Orchards By Clint Thompson The Alabama pecan crop is harvested and being processed, mostly for the retail market. Those that received more rainfall this year experienced increased yields compared to those that didn’t, says Bran Futral, Alabama Pecan Growers Association president. “I’ll tell you that central and North Alabama probably didn’t do …
Spotted Lanternfly a Concern for Southeast Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s recent revelation that the spotted lanternfly has been observed in Georgia should have the Southeast region’s grape producers on high alert. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the insect’s potential threat to the grape industry. “Unlike the brown marmorated stink bug, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Potential Impact of Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings had not even begun this fall when alarm bells were ringing about the potential impact of Neopestalotiopsis disease in this year’s crop. While the disease has a history in Southeast strawberry fields dating back to 2018, the concern this year stemmed from its presence in plug plants at nursery sources in Canada. It prompted Phil …
Rainfall Increasing in North Alabama
By Clint Thompson Rainfall accumulation was minimal during the fall season for specialty crop producers in North Alabama. It is starting to improve, however, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We’ve got about 2 ½ inches over the last three weeks or so. I would say it’s brought pond levels up, maybe three or four inches,” …
MASC Program Applications Accepted Through Jan. 8
Specialty crop producers should be mindful that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. Sign-up started on Dec. 10. Applications are due to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency through Jan. 8, 2025. MASC provides financial assistance to specialty crop growers to help them expand domestic markets or develop …
H-2A Help: FFVA, Other Ag Organizations Submit Letter to Secretary Vilsack
Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is $16.23 and will become effective Dec. 30. It marks a 10% increase from the previous year’s rate of $14.77. The AEWR increases are part of the reason, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with other industry organizations, submitted a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack this week. The …
Avocado Research: UF/IFAS Secures $5 Million USDA Grant
Scientists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles responsible for it. The research aims to improve control and mitigation practices for avocado production in …
Bumper Citrus Crop in Southwest Alabama
By Clint Thompson Citrus producers in Southwest Alabama are experiencing a bumper crop this year. That’s good news for growers this season, not so much for next season, says Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama. “I think it’s been a really good crop. Last year wasn’t as great, but it was decent considering the freezing weather that we …



















