Georgia Ag Commissioner: New Farm Bill Needs to Get Across Finish Line

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture is focused on educating congressional leaders about the importance of passing a new farm bill sooner rather than later. Speaking at the Georgia Farm Bureau meeting last week, Tyler Harper talked about the significance a new farm bill will have on specialty crop production throughout the Southeast. “We were all hoping that they …

California’s H-2A Ranking a Plus for Southeast?

Clint ThompsonLabor

By Clint Thompson California’s surge up the states leaderboard pertaining to H-2A workers is a plus for Southeast specialty crop producers, according to one industry leader. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), believes it will help enlighten legislative leaders about the challenges associated with navigating through a complicated and expensive program. “I …

North Florida Watermelon Update: Increased Acres Likely in 2024

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon acreage is expected to increase next spring in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida. A successful 2023 season has prompted producers to consider increasing their crop when planting begins in February. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, spoke at the Suwanee …

Next Up: Merged Magazine and New Farm Bill

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Industry Magazine

By Frank Giles This year has been a busy one for specialty crop growers and flew by as we flip the calendar to welcome 2024. The new year will surely be as busy and includes an exciting change here at AgNet Media. Introducing Specialty Crop Grower Beginning in January, AgNet Media will merge two of its magazines. Specialty Crop Industry …

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 Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest …

FAE General Session Covers Wide Range of Topics

Clint ThompsonFlorida Ag Expo

By Frank Giles The Florida Ag Expo (FAE) kicked off its educational program with a welcome from Rob Gilbert, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) dean of research and interim head. Gilbert said the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), where the Expo is held, embodies the university’s commitment toward investing in technological advancements. GCREC …

Looking to the Future: Georgia Ag Commissioner Speaks at Georgia Farm Bureau

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture understands the obstacles Georgia’s farmers were challenged with during the 2023 season. But Tyler Harper also believes the resiliency of his state’s producers will carry them through to 2024. Harper spoke about the future of agriculture, Georgia’s No. 1 industry, during Monday’s Georgia Farm Bureau meeting in Jekyll Island. “2023 has been a …

diversification

Diversification Continues to Be Key for Cold-Hardy Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Varieties

Diversification is key to production remaining sustainable in the cold-hardy citrus region. It is message that industry leaders preach to producers who are looking to grow the citrus industry in North Florida, Georgia and Alabama. John Chater, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, talked about the importance …

Florida Ag Expo: Summaries of Seminar Sessions

Clint ThompsonFlorida Ag Expo

By Tacy Callies and Clint Thompson Two tracks of concurrent seminars presented by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences specialists offered growers learning options at the Florida Ag Expo. One session focused on pest management, while the other explored novel technologies and practices. Pest Presentations In the pest management session, Gary Vallad focused on two cucurbit diseases: …