Be On the Lookout: Watermelon Diseases a Concern

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers should be on high alert for potential disease buildup in fields in 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, discussed what diseases his producers must be wary of, with the first harvests just days away. …

UGA Research: Scab Disease Remains Focus of Pecan Breeding

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The focus on scab disease remains a vital part of pecan breeding research at the University of Georgia (UGA), says UGA pecan breeder Patrick Conner. He discussed the ‘Golding’ variety at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference in Perry, Georgia. Golding has good scab resistance. “Scab is a primary determinant of whether a selection will be …

Technologies in Action: Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference Held at UGA

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The potential future of specialty crop production was on display this week at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. UGA hosted the Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference & Show on Tuesday and Wednesday. It attracted ag companies featuring technologies on the market and those still in the production phase. Luan Oliveira, …

Spicing Up Georgia Agriculture: Ginger, Turmeric Potential New Crops for State’s Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s vegetable growers are in need of non-traditional crops to supplement their normal farming operations. Ginger and turmeric are two specialty crops that could help producers remain sustainable. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta said consumers are more aware of where their food comes from, desiring fresh, locally grown ingredients. Ginger and turmeric fit …

UGA Peach Disease Specialist: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent so far this year for Southeast growers; attributed to the prolonged drought. But there’s still time for this year’s crop to be impacted by certain diseases, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If it starts raining, we’ll still have potential for disease. It will probably …

Marketing Assistance Loans Program a Possibility for Pecan?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan industry leaders are currently discussing the possibility of the industry enrolling in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) Program. The program is administered by the Farm Service Agency and offers loans to farmers of eligible commodities to help manage cash flow needs and provide marketing flexibility. Georgia grower Justin Jones was part …

Extension Agent: North Florida Watermelons Progressing Like They Should Be

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons are progressing like they should, even amid a rare spring drought and following a dangerous freeze event that impacted the region in mid-March. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the crop’s progression during an interview with AgNet Media. “I …

Extreme Drought Conditions Challenging Southeast Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …

SCFBA Applauds House Approval of H.R. 7567

Clint ThompsonFlorida

WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement on the approval by the House of Representatives of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman (GT) Thompson for his leadership and perseverance, and we thank the House for advancing H.R. 7567, marking …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

Weekly Field Report 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 Daniel Lyon Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds …