Watermelon Harvests Beginning Across North Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have started across the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, pointed out in his weekly email that harvesting has begun across multiple farms. “I think by the time we get to the end of the …

Sen. Ossoff Introducing Legislation to Cut Taxes for Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing legislation to cut taxes for Georgia farmers. Sen. Ossoff introduced the Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act this week to provide eligible farmers with a tax cut after natural disasters, revenue losses or pest outbreaks. The bill would exclude crop insurance indemnity payments, which are made to farmers after they face qualified …

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. Lowcountry Report Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Report Rob Last Daniel Lyon Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds …

Active Pathogens in North Florida’s Watermelon Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Watermelon growers in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida must be mindful of potential pathogens that could spark devastating diseases and prematurely end production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, noted several disease pathogens in his weekly email. It is important to monitor your …

Rep. Austin Scott Leads House Letter Urging Action on Mexican Specialty Crop Imports

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C— U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) led a bipartisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer this week to emphasize the importance of fair trade measures for the U.S. specialty crop industry. “America’s growers and producers are the best in the world. Current …

Dry Weather Leads to Strong Strawberry Crop

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry production thrived this year, mostly because weather conditions were ripe for a successful crop. Strawberry producer and Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association President Taylor Hatchett talked about her crop which flourished amid prolonged dry conditions. “For the most part it’s been fairly dry, and the strawberries really do great with drier conditions,” Hatchett said. …

crop

Cold-Hardy Citrus Crop Looks ‘Loaded’ for Upcoming Season

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Production

While still early in the production season, growers in the cold-hardy citrus region are optimistic for a bumper crop this year. That optimism comes despite a mid-March freeze and prolonged drought that impacted all of the Southeast but was especially dire in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, discussed the …

USMCA

FFVA Advocating for TRQs in USMCA

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson A joint review of the USMCA is a little more than two months away. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is hopeful that timely assistance be provided for its specialty crop growers. FFVA President Mike Joyner spoke during the recent University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. He highlighted how …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: New Location, Format for Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo makes its return to Fort Myers on Aug. 12–13 at the waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The Luminary Hotel, the event’s host hotel, is conveniently connected to the convention center. Enjoy Your Stay The new venue offers several opportunities to refresh and improve the Expo. The convention center will allow educational seminars to …

Marketing Pecans: Focus on Establishing Nut’s Importance for Year-Round Consumption

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecans are a staple during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. One industry expert believes they can be an important part of Americans’ diets year-round. That will be key in ensuring pecans remain a sustainable crop for growers in the Southeast region, according to Serena Schaffner, chief marketing officer for American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. …