By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …
Glenn Beck Receives Citrus Achievement Award Trophy
By Frank Giles Florida Citrus Mutual celebrated its 75th Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida, last week. During the event’s industry luncheon, Glenn Beck was presented with the Citrus Achievement Award trophy. The award is presented by AgNet Media and is sponsored by Florida Citrus Mutual. Beck concluded his two-year tenure serving as Mutual’s president during the conference. …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Endorses Disaster Relief, Mechanization Bills
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, endorsed last week the following legislation that will be considered during the 2023 Farm Bill discussions: The SCFBA was established to advocate for broad-based Farm Bill policy initiatives to …
Cucumber Downy Mildew Discovered in South Carolina
Cucumber downy mildew was discovered early last week in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Grower. Clemson plant pathologist Tony Keinath attributed the discovery at the Coastal Research and Education Center on June 12 to a rain event that occurred the previous week. The plant, Straight 8, was observed with 50% diseased leaf area which suggests that infection started …
Still Not Done: North Florida Watermelon Harvests About 85% Complete
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are close to being done harvesting this year’s crop. A small percentage remained this week, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “We’re winding down, but there’s still a number of fields that are later planted. I’m going to …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Feature keyphrase: South Carolina Grower Slugs: Clemson Extension South Carolina Grower Category: South Carolina Use Clemson logo. Thanks. Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology …
GFVGA Expresses Concerns, Goals During Recent Legislative Visit
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) continues to prioritize its farmers and promote an even playing field when discussions center on trade. Its leadership recently visited with legislative leaders and those with a vested interest in the looming Farm Bill. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the GFVGA, discussed his organization’s trip to Washington D.C. …
Block Grant Assistance Act Passes
Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced the House of Representatives passed the Block Grant Assistance Act on June 12. This critical bill provides needed authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue block grants to growers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. Those supporting the Block Grant Assistance Act include Florida Commissioner of …
Hops Research: Plant Establishment Key in Controlling Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Successful control of nematodes in hops production is feasible in Florida. But potential growers need to ensure their hops production is firmly established, says Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We know that hops is a good host …
CAES Researchers Find Solution to Keep Produce Fresh
By Emily Cabrera Despite technological advances, food loss continues to be a problem throughout the U.S., says Angelos Deltsidis, assistant professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “It’s not only environmentally unsustainable, but economically as well. Farmers pay to grow and harvest their produce, and they are also the ones who …