Florida’s strawberry fields may look vibrant and abundant this time of year, but beneath those glossy leaves, a quiet battle is raging. At the very moment Florida’s crop hits peak production, two long-established surge onto the scene: the twospotted spider mite and the chilli thrips. These tiny pests can overwhelm plants in tandem, draining vigor, deforming fruit and leaving farmers …
Attention South Carolina Growers: Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications Accepted Through Feb. 13
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). “Fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops are essential to the future of South Carolina agriculture, and the Specialty Crop Block Grant program helps build that future,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “These grants will help farmers in …
Florida Blueberry Growers Take to the Fields to Protect Crop From Freezes
Several cold fronts have kept Florida blueberry growers busy protecting their plants from freezing temperatures. Most reports from growers are positive, showing that they have been successful in their efforts. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry Extension coordinator in Wimauma, said he has been communicating with several growers throughout Florida and has not heard …
Short Harvest Window for North Florida Watermelon Growers
By Clint Thompson The harvest/marketing window for North Florida’s watermelon crop is not open for very long. That is why it is imperative that growers in the Suwanee Valley maximize their crop potential every year. They plant early and harvest the crop before the watermelon industry moves north to Georgia. It is the same scenario for watermelon-producing states up and …
Acreage, Fusarium Wilt on Minds of North Florida Watermelon Growers
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon farmers are on the cusp of another planting season. They are currently planning for next year’s crop. Part of that planning stage was attending the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County, helped organize the event this year in …
Potential Whitefly Resistance a Concern for Growers Managing Cotton Jassid
By Clint Thompson Vegetable producers and cotton growers are anxiously playing the waiting game with regards to the cotton jassid. If and when the new insect threat arrives this spring could have a ripple effect on growers’ management plans. Producers controlled the jassid last fall with sprays they were already applying for whiteflies. Growers usually do not apply insecticides for …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Certified South Carolina Connects Growers, Consumers
By Frank Giles Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series featuring state marketing programs in the Southeast. South Carolina is home to a diverse array of specialty crop growers. Those growers have access to a marketing program called Certified South Carolina to help promote their products and bring exposure to their farms. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture …
Paper Mulch Research Update for Southeast Watermelon Growers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are continuing their studies in paper mulch with respect to watermelon production in the Southeast. Its development is important for a region that depends heavily on watermelon production. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Optimizing Federal Food Program Spending Benefits U.S. Growers
By Frank Giles America’s farm and food policy is a complicated business. It is a constantly shifting landscape, especially under President Trump’s tariff-driven approach. To stay up to date on these matters, I recommend following the work of Daniel Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). He has spoken at a couple of AgNet Media events and always …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: School Cafeterias Offer New Markets for Growers
The Last WordBy Hugh E. Weathers Two areas in which specialty crop growers often tell us they want more assistance with are finding new markets and scaling up production. In South Carolina, we’re rolling out a new market opportunity called Certified SC Cafeteria. I think it will address both of these grower needs. Certified South Carolina, our state’s agricultural branding …


















