Bacterial spot disease isn’t just a nuisance for tomato growers – it’s a relentless, weather-powered villain that can ruin a field of promising fruit. When warm rains roll in and humidity hangs in the air, the pathogen behind bacterial spot comes alive, spreading fast and scarring tomatoes so they can’t be sold. Growers rely on fungicides to fight the disease, …
GFVGA Executive Director: We Have to Remain Unified Amid Potential Labor Reform
By Clint Thompson Additional work is required for the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and other specialty crop groups who want the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to become permanent. The recently released legislation, introduced by U.S. Representative GT Thompson, would bring much-needed reform to the H-2A system. But more week is needed to make the first reform to …
Producer Perspective: Alabama Peach Grower Discusses This Year’s Crop
By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama’s peach farmers felt the sting of an early spring freeze event. It wiped out much of the state’s early varieties, including some on Mike Reeves’ farm in Hartselle, Alabama. “We got hurt by the freeze on our early varieties and our late varieties but most of our mid-season varieties are in pretty good shape,” …
Sweet Grown Alabama Farm to Table Dinner Scheduled for Aug. 13
By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama’s next big event will involve specialty crop growers and industry leaders from across the state. The organization’s sixth annual Farm to Table dinner is slated for Thursday, Aug. 13 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn, Alabama. Aisling Walding, Assistant Director of Sweet Grown Alabama, discussed the event, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. to …
Fusarium Wilt, Nutsedge Still Top Challenges for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson The final email sent to North Florida watermelon producers by Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, recapped this season in the Suwannee Valley. Hochmuth once again stressed the significance of fusarium wilt and nutsedge and their impacts on watermelon production in the region. …
Georgia Watermelon Season Winding Down
By Clint Thompson The July 4 holiday has come and gone, which means Georgia’s watermelon season is nearing its conclusion. The summer holiday provides a key harvesting window for Georgia producers. This year was no different. Some of the crop is still being picked this week, says Tim Coolong, professor and Extension specialist in the University of Georgia College of …
Initial Georgia Pecan Estimates Set At 115 Million Pounds
By Clint Thompson Pecan estimates have been released for Georgia’s crop this year. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said estimates are for 115 million pounds. But growers must take that with a grain of salt considering how the bearing acreage remains “in flux.” “You know, we’ve got more young trees coming into production every year. We lost …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Declares July ‘Georgia Grown Watermelon Month’
ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper signed a proclamation officially declaring July 2026 as “Georgia Grown Watermelon Month,” celebrating one of the state’s signature summer crops and the Georgia farmers who grow it. With approximately 35,000 acres dedicated to watermelon production and a 2024 farm gate value of $220.5 million, Georgia is a national leader in watermelon …
Pruning Key to Blackberry Success in Florida
By Clint Thompson Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has only conducted blackberry research since 2022 but has quickly realized how vital pruning is to successful blackberry production in the Southeast. “Pruning is very critical because if you will keep the branches, which give you the fruit, it will …
UF/IFAS Expert Touts Value of Soil Moisture Sensors
By Clint Thompson Soil moisture sensors are used by most large-acre farmers in Florida, according to one industry expert. Extension personnel can help growers use the technology more effectively, says Jay Capasso, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent for Northeast District Capasso was a featured speaker during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation …



















