By Clint Thompson Georgia agriculture (Ag) employers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Nov. 14-15, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The two-day event attracts regulators and experts affiliated with the labor industry. The forum’s format enables employers, human resource managers and administrators to collaborate in securing a sustainable …
Seminis Pepper Varieties Solution for Bacterial Leaf Spot
By Clint Thompson Seminis Vegetable Seeds (Bayer) has an answer for those pepper producers combating bacterial leaf spot disease. New varieties with disease resistance are critical for growers who are concerned that they are overusing imperfect fungicides. Andrew Scruggs, market development representative in North Carolina for Bayer Vegetable Seeds, discussed the situation facing growers. “You think about the Southeast United …
Warm Temps, Dry Conditions Help Whitefly Numbers Increase
By Clint Thompson The inevitable has finally happened in the Southeast; whitefly populations are on the rise. It was bound to happen considering the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions being experienced across the region. “I think it’s still probably localized, but yeah, there are some fields, if you start getting squash coming up, it just pulls them in like …
USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Wednesday that $72.9 million has been awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research. “USDA is excited to announce …
In the Field: 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. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Bruce McLean Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn …
Algal Stem Blotch Observed on Georgia Blueberry
Various instances of algal stem blotch on blueberry have been reported in Georgia in recent days, according to the University of Georgia Blueberry Blog. Growers should be aware that since the disease is caused by an alga rather than a fungus, it is highly unlikely that fungicides will be an effective management option. University of Florida recommendations suggest that sprays …
USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Wednesday that $72.9 million has been awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research. “USDA is excited to …
Interim Senior Vice President: UF/IFAS Vision is to Become Silicon Valley of Agriculture
By Clint Thompson A legislative success story this year for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will help pave the way for the future of agriculture. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, discussed the financial backing that was provided to support the new artificial intelligence (AI) center at the Gulf Coast Research and …
$40 Million Fund Will Support South Carolina Agribusinesses, Expand Opportunities for Farmers
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the Growing Agribusiness Fund, a new incentive program for South Carolina agribusinesses. The South Carolina General Assembly appropriated $40 million to launch the initiative, which will help existing South Carolina businesses engaged in the processing, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and transportation of agricultural products, in turn providing more …
Be on the Lookout for New Thrips PestÂ
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the Citrus …