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 …

FFVA Issues Statement Following Farmworker Bus Crash

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) issued a statement following Tuesday morning’s fatal bus crash involving Florida farmworkers in west Marion County. “We were devastated to learn of Tuesday morning’s fatal crash involving a bus transporting farmworkers, and all of us at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) are lifting these individuals and their families in our prayers,” …

Challenging Weather Impacting Alabama Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s watermelon crop is on pace for a normal, average year, according to one producer. Jeremy Sessions, who farms 50 acres in Grand Bay, Alabama, said he should be ready to harvest by June 10. This comes despite challenging weather conditions throughout the growing season. “Everything looks pretty good. Early, we had some tough growing conditions. They …

Rain Effect: Disease Management Critical for Georgia Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Disease management in Georgia watermelons is currently a challenge considering how saturated fields are amid excessive rains this spring. The crop is susceptible to multiple diseases, and many farmers are unable to access the fields to apply much needed fungicides. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, discussed the …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Coordinated Control for Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Maegan Beatty In the last 25 years, the number of whitefly-transmitted viruses affecting vegetable production in Florida and the southeastern United States has steadily increased. The rise in average winter temperatures, the development of widespread resistance to broad-spectrum insecticides and the absence of new varieties with resistance to the multitude of new viruses have collectively contributed to this increase. …

RMA Administrator Discusses Nursery Value Select Program Expansion

Clint ThompsonUSDA

By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging specialty crop producers and nursery operators to participate in the Nursery Value Select Program; a program that has existed for decades in a limited number of states and counties. Marcia Bunger, administrator for the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), discussed the program’s expansion to include many more states and …

Hydroponic Lettuce: More Efficient Production

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Leafy Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producer Will Mastin utilizes an alternative approach to growing lettuce. Instead of producing the vegetable in a field setting, Mastin, in Baldwin County, grows lettuce hydroponically; a unique, sustainable approach he has implemented for 12 years. “Hydroponic lettuce is just growing lettuce without any soil. There’s a couple of different methods of doing that. The …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Tracking Progress of Region’s Fruits, Vegetables

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson Sweet Corn Picks Up After Slow Start Florida sweet corn volume was expected to ramp up during the first couple of weeks in April. The increased production was needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. The record rainfall kept growers from being able to access the field for …

Peachy Comeback: Georgia Fruit Set for Bumper Crop After Disastrous Season

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

Fort Valley, GA — Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets across North America. The signature sweet taste of Georgia’s legendary fruit was missed last season, and the Georgia Peach Council is excited to be back with a record-breaking crop of sweet Georgia peaches. Industry optimism is based on a full winter …

growing matters

Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign with Quick Tips to Keep Pollinators Safe

Dan CooperEnvironment, Growing Matters, Growing Matters, Pollinators

The BeSure! Campaign from the Growing Matters coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife.  Today we’re talking with Shine Taylor, Field Development Representative with Gowan Company, who gives some quick tips for applicators. Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed Carinata Covers New …