By Clint Thompson The impact of tarnished plant bugs (TPB) in North Carolina strawberries is normally low every year. But that has changed this season, due largely to the ongoing drought across the Southeast. “This year it seems like it’s widespread and not at a moderate level but at a high infestation level in a lot of strawberry farms,” said …
Sneak Peek: May 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the May issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights peaches and how one Georgia grower is seeing strong production. Lane Southern Orchards in Central Georgia is one of the state’s top peach producers. Farm manager Tyler Wainwright discusses production and the secrets to his company’s success, including not having production all in one area and …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
Rethinking Success in Specialty Crops Winter meeting season has wrapped up in Alabama. Fruit and vegetable growers now turn their attention to strawberries, spring vegetables and — if the good Lord allows — a strong outlook for 2026 crops. Earlier this month, the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) gathered in Gulf Shores for its annual conference. It was …
Potential Dry Weather Impacts on North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have dodged disease buildup with this year’s crop due to the lingering drought conditions present in the region. But that doesn’t mean growers should not be on high alert. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, highlighted what producers should …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Producers Seek USMCA Improvements
By Frank Giles When the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect in July 2020, specialty crop growers in the Southeast were disappointed the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement did little to protect their domestic interests and markets. When the agreement was crafted, it included a provision that the USMCA would undergo a joint review to assess …
Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference Scheduled for May 5-6
By Clint Thompson A glimpse into agriculture’s future will be on display at the Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference & Show on May 5-6 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Registration remains open for the event which is expected to attract fruit and vegetable growers, university faculty and students, Agtech startups and robotics …
Act Now: Don’t Miss May 1 Deadline for Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Savings
Time is running out to take advantage of hotel savings for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The early-bird rate at the host hotel expires May 1, so attendees will want to book soon to lock in the lower price. The Expo will take place Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Each year, the …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates in Region
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 Sarah Scott Upstate Report Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Citrus Show a Day of Education, Enjoyment
By AgNet Media Staff The Florida Citrus Show marked another successful event in March in Fort Pierce. The show provided attendees with a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate-style trade show. CRAFT Update Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) programs have been very popular with growers and have incentivized …
‘Golding’ Variety New Option for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan growers will soon have a new variety at their disposal. University of Georgia pecan breeder Patrick Conner discussed the ‘Golding’ variety at the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference in Perry, Georgia. “It’s selected for having exceptional quality, good yield and good scab resistance. We think it’ll be a general use cultivar for growers who …



















