Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Webinar Series Features Cucurbit Viruses and Management

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles Whiteflies, aphids and other pests continue to be significant problems in Southeastern vegetable production. Recently, the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group hosted a series of webinars addressing several important viruses pests may carry. The group’s mission is to improve communication and knowledge about viruses across the cucurbit industry and develop strategies to successfully identify and mitigate …

Control What You Can Control: SCFBA Advises Producers Amid Farm Bill Discussions

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The frustrating aspect of the Senate Ag Committee’s failure to advance the farm bill was it mostly had nothing to do with agriculture. The political discourse over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was reportedly the main point of contingent that kept both republicans and democrats from agreeing to this key piece of legislation. What’s important now for …

Ag Lobbyist on H-2A Reform: We Need To Get It Right

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson H-2A reform has long been in need of a major haul; 40 years, in fact. That’s how long it’s been since the agricultural labor program has experienced change. Now is as good of a time as any for it to happen, says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural …

Hedging Under Study for Cold-Hardy Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Pruning

One of satsuma mandarin’s drawbacks is its alternate bearing tendency. It will produce a heavy crop load one year and a low one the next year. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, said tree hedging may provide a solution. She discussed the management technique at the Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia on …

Home Sweet Home: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Returns to Fort Myers

Clint ThompsonCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Florida, Uncategorized

By Clint Thompson The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo returned home this year and provided the same vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. This week’s two-day event, held Wednesday and Thursday, was held in Fort Myers, Florida, its original home for nearly three decades. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, flocked to the …

Georgia Farmer Details Input Challenges

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson One of the top vegetable farmers in the Southeast is not immune to the inflationary costs impacting growers these days. In fact, Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton said his input costs have spiked every year since COVID. “We’ve got hit hard from every angle. And to be honest with you, ’21, ’22, and ’23, our business lost money, …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Fighting Formidable Weed Foes

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson Widely recognized as a leading weed scientist in the Southeast, the University of Georgia’s Stanley Culpepper provides specialty crop growers with weed management guidance. Specialty Crop Grower caught up Culpepper to discuss challenging weeds in Georgia and what to do about them. Q: What are the three most problematic weeds in vegetables produced on plasticulture and how …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Producers Speak Out on Skyrocketing Production Costs

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Inflation has touched consumers and businesses across the spectrum in the United States. It has been particularly problematic for farmers trying to remain profitable in a business where margins are tight. “Inflation is a very concerning problem and has impacted all of agriculture in a significant way,” said Tony DiMare, president of DiMare Fresh. …

Dry Weather’s Impact in Southeast Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama has experienced sufficient rainfall in recent weeks. That’s provided much of the state with adequate moisture. However, one area could use some rain showers, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry weather conditions are being observed across most of southern Alabama. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama talked about the …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Building a Stronger Future for Georgia’s Specialty Crop Industry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Tyler J Harper Georgia’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of a diverse and resilient agricultural economy. From fruits and tree nuts to vegetables, specialty crops play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities and strengthening Georgia’s position as a national leader in agriculture. In 2024 alone, specialty crops contributed a massive $1.5 billion farm-gate value and …