By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have come and gone for North Florida producers in the Suwannee Valley Region. A challenging start to harvest season ended positively for growers, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think that, overall, the season has been okay, and I …
Despite Drought Relief, Irrigation Remains Critical for Cold-Hardy Citrus
Increased rainfall across the cold-hardy citrus region is a sight for sore eyes. Still, citrus growers in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama must stay on top of their trees’ water needs to help ensure a viable crop this season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, spoke on this subject at the recent …
San Jose Scale’s Minimal Impact in Peaches
By Clint Thompson San Jose Scale’s impact in Georgia peaches this year has been noticeably not as bad compared to recent years. “No, it’s not bad this year,. I need to knock on wood, but we haven’t been seeing a huge pressure,” said Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “This …
Soil Tests Stressed During Irrigation Expo
By Clint Thompson Soil tests are a key management strategy for vegetable growers looking to remain sustainable. While soil tests are usually conducted in the fall, it never hurts for farmers to get a refresher on their importance. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, stressed soil tests’ importance during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo held at the University …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Optimizing Irrigation Efficiency and Incentives
By Frank Giles The Irrigation Association (IA) represents the people and companies who design, build and manage irrigation systems. This includes contractors and growers who rely on those systems every day. According to the IA, its core mission is to support those who make efficient irrigation possible while elevating irrigation’s role in food security, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. The …
Florida Blueberry Meetings Scheduled for July
Florida blueberry growers are reminded about this summer’s growers meetings hosted by the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. This year’s two meeting are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 in Bartow, Florida, and Wednesday, July 22 in Newberry, Florida. The meetings are free for growers and only $50 for allied partners for both meetings. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with the …
Miravis Top Resistance Susceptibility a Concern for Southeast Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Increased rains in the Southeast means pecan growers in Georgia and Alabama are applying fungicide treatments for scab disease with greater frequency. That means greater potential for Miravis Top to be overused despite being susceptible to resistance. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overusing the highly effective fungicide. “One issue we have …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Middle East Conflict Roils Energy, Fertilizer Markets
By Frank Giles The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the fragile nature of global supply chains as the movement of many goods was disrupted and delayed for months after shutdowns related to the virus. The conflict in Iran has been a reminder of that vulnerability as oil and fertilizer movement has been disrupted, sending prices higher and feeding uncertainty into the marketplace. …
Drought Impacting Irrigation Needs
The next harvest season may still be months away for Florida citrus growers, but management remains a weekly duty. That involves a plethora of chores for grove owners this summer, says Matt Smith, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent for Lake and Orange counties. “Growers definitely need to keep irrigation in mind. And of course, …
Pecan Nut Casebearer’s Minimal Impact in Southeast Pecans
By Clint Thompson The pecan nut casebearer (PNC) has had minimal impact on pecan trees in the Southeast. That’s good news for farmers hoping to make a strong crop this season. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, said the observation about PNC was based off a survey conducted in counties throughout Georgia. “We just finished some survey …



















