Auburn University research has created new opportunities for growers who want to begin or increase grape production. Elina Coneva, Extension specialist for the Auburn University department of horticulture, said new research has increased interest in grape production in the Southeast. Muscadine grapes are currently the most popular type of grapes grown in Alabama. This is due to the resistance the …
Florida Growers Prepare for Freezing Temperatures
Florida is off to a cool start in 2018 as parts of the state anticipate freezing temperatures during the rest of the week. According to Lisa Lochridge, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida growers are doing what they can to prepare for the cold. Lochridge says that Florida fruit and vegetables are well into …
Money, Money, Money: Financial Challenges Threatening Sustainability of Family Farms
By Clint Thompson Unprecedented diesel prices are the latest in a long line of challenges that threaten the sustainability of the family farm. “I mean we’re spraying like crazy,” said South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. “We’ve got whiteflies all over the place. We’re having to spray more and spend more on chemicals because the whiteflies are so bad. We’re …
Commissioner Simpson Launches Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Isaias
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can apply for loans of up to $500,000 to restore, repair or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, …
Guidelines for Shipping Citrus From Georgia to Florida
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) reminds the state’s citrus growers that if they plan to ship fresh citrus to Florida for packing, there are certain guidelines they must adhere to. The state of Florida requires all fresh citrus fruit coming into the state to be inspected for and free from citrus canker, sweet orange scab and citrus black spot …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Ghost Snail Pest Alert
Pest Alert: Ghost Snail (Bulimulus bonariensis) Bulimulus snails, sometimes called ghost or peanut snails, have increasingly become problematic for growers. The snails are an invasive species native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. They likely arrived in the United States on more than one occasion and from multiple locations. Where Is It? The snail was initially recognized as …
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. Lowcountry Report Zack Snipes Midlands Report Sarah Scott Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to …
Before and After a Hurricane: Proper Documentation Critical
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Isaias’ trek through the Southeast soaked much of Southwest Georgia this past weekend, which had already experienced increased moisture the prior week. The storm impacted much of the fall vegetable crops which are in the ground, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). He advises his growers about proper …
Attention Alabama Farmers: Damage Documentation Essential Following Hurricane Isaias
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s specialty crop producers are in the process of surveying fields and orchards, determining the severity of damages inflicted by Hurricane Isaias after it moved through the state this past weekend. Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Blake Thaxton emphasized that his growers maintain appropriate documentation when surveying and reporting damage. “I think first, our …
Alabama Crops in Path of Hurricane
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s specialty crops sector will be impacted by Hurricane Isaias when it moves through the state this weekend. A pair of specific industries are especially at risk from the major hurricane when it makes landfall late Friday night. Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Blake Thaxton discussed those two agricultural sectors in an interview with …