Tarnished Plant Bug’s Impact in Alabama Strawberries

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Tarnished plant bugs have impacted Alabama’s strawberry crop this season. Growers’ success in managing the pest in the future will depend on scouting, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “Especially the growers that have seen them this year, they need to mark that date on their calendars of when they saw it, and the …

pests

Pests in Disguise: Georgia Helping Farmers Hurt by Feral Hogs, Deer

Dan CooperGeorgia, Pest Management, Pests

Agricultural pests are sometimes disguised as animals looking for food sources. Unfortunately for producers in Georgia, that food source will often be their crops. Georgia’s legislative leaders are arming state agencies with substantial funding in next year’s budget to tackle this substantial problem. Included was $150,000 directed to the Georgia Department of Agriculture for the Feral Hog Task Force and …

Citrus Expansion in Southwest Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Citrus

By Clint Thompson One Alabama Extension agent is optimistic about his region’s citrus production expanding in the near future. Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, discussed the future of citrus in his coverage area, which consists mostly of satsuma mandarins. “At times it seems like (acres are) going down, but I will tell you I’ve had a lot …

Important Week for Sweet Corn Producers

Clint ThompsonCorn, Florida

By Clint Thompson The week prior to Memorial Day weekend is usually prime time for Florida’s sweet corn producers. This year is not any different, according to Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). “In terms of supply, we’ve got excellent supply in Florida for the holiday. I think you …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Protecting Our Food Security is Critical

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Rick Scott Florida growers play a critical role in providing for and contributing to the state, its families and businesses. They are job creators, innovators and hardworking Floridians that drive our state forward generation after generation and show the rewards of hard work in achieving the American dream. That’s why I am so proud to fight every day in …

UGA Extension Coordinator Discusses Challenges Facing Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Watermelon

John Bennett: “Everything is conducive right now for everything to go wrong.” By Clint Thompson Watermelons produced in Wilcox County, Georgia, are at baseball to softball size in most fields. Considering the late start to the planting season for most growers, that development is not far off for this time of year. John Bennett, University of Georgia (UGA) Wilcox County …

Watermelon Tracker: Florida Crop Moving North

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson The watermelon season continues to move northward up the state of Florida. Harvests are well under way in the central and northern areas of the state. Laura Land, member of the executive council of the Florida Watermelon Association, highlighted the current season and where growers are concentrating their harvests. “The southern parts are coming to the end …

Downy Mildew Disease Observed in Florida, Georgia Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Watermelon

Downy mildew disease was observed in North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed in an email that downy mildew was confirmed in the southern part of the Suwannee Valley. He also reported that Ty Torrance, University of …

North Florida Extension Agent: Weather Competitive Advantage for Watermelon Diseases

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Like the rest of the Southeast, North Florida has been impacted by excessive rains over the past week, dating back to last Friday. It has impacted the region’s watermelon crop, which has just started being harvested. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …

What’s Happening? 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. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Phillip Carnley Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and …