Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Preparing a Plan for ICE Inspections on Farms

Clint ThompsonFlorida

With the fall and winter crop season underway, many growers have workers in the fields. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations have caused concerns about agents coming to farms and how to prepare in the event that a visit occurs. The Department of Labor (DOL) released a report that linked ICE enforcement to higher food costs and supply risks. This …

Cotton Jassid’s Impact in Early Spring Would Be Significant

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Vegetable growers had a new insect to manage this year with the cotton jassid. If it shows up in early spring next year, though, that challenge will be amplified for the 2026 season, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “The big question’s going to be what happens during the winter going into the …

Attention Pecan Producers: Apply Irrigation Up Until a Few Days Before Tree Shaking

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Just because pecan harvests have begun across the Southeast does not mean growers should stop applying water to their trees – not with the prolonged drought that has impacted the region, including pecan-producing areas in Georgia and Alabama. That’s the message that Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, wants producers to remember. Because the …

National Potato Council Disappointed With Lack of Japan Fresh Market Access

Clint Thompsonpotato

WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) is disappointed that the U.S.-Japan agreement did not include fresh market access for U.S. potatoes. Japan has delayed this market access request from the U.S. for 30 years, including delays as recently as October. “It is very disappointing that the U.S. was unable to use President Trump’s tariff leverage to push past Japan’s …

H-2A Application Processing Resumes Amid Government Shutdown

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: A Tempered Economic Outlook

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned in late September after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. The well-known economist provided several macroeconomic observations about the current financial standing of the …

‘Unusual’ Lack of Tropical System Impact on Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Weather

By Clint Thompson One month remains in this year’s tropical season. The Southeast is one month away from not having a tropical system impact the region this year. It would be an unusual development, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Certainly, in most years we get some impact from tropical storms. It’s not unprecedented. We’ve had …

Market Price Impact Not Yet Known Following Termination of Tomato Suspension Agreement

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The impact of the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement will not be fully realized for another couple of months, according to one industry leader. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said that when the calendar turns to 2026 is when the tomato industry should see the full effect of the agreement’s termination …

Sneak Peek: November 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Cultiva and its high tunnel vegetable production. With approximately 865 high tunnels, covering a farmable area of about 150 acres, it is an impressive sight to behold in North Florida. But hurricanes in recent years, notably Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, have challenged production. Federico Boscolo with Cultiva discusses …

bed system

Bed System Benefits Citrus Production

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Productionj

A bed system used in citrus groves is still under research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. But one researcher is already convinced that the system, which includes fabric mulch, is beneficial for growers. “This system is better for them. It’s already being used in …