By Clint Thompson Scab disease plays a pivotal role in the success of Southeast pecans every year. It has impacted how one South Georgia farmer has planned for future crops. “What we’ve started doing on our operation is we have started planting new groves entirely with newer varieties, mainly scab resistance and then also timing on when they harvest, stuff …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
Attention Pecan Producers: Insect Sprays Needed in Dry Areas
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry conditions being experienced across some areas in Georgia and Alabama means insect pressure is high in pecan orchards. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed what insects are most problematic for Southeast growers in an interview with AgNet Media. “Black aphids have been horrible over the last month, I would say, and …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Opening the Farm Gate Creates Opportunities for Producers
The Last Word: By Lena Juarez Every farm has a story to tell. Behind every field of blueberries, grove of citrus, vegetable operation or tropical fruit orchard are families whose hard work, resilience and passion have shaped Florida agriculture for generations. Today, more than ever, consumers want to hear those stories. They want to know where their food comes from, …
Rain Contingent: Bacterial Spot’s Yearly Threat to Southeast Peaches
By Clint Thompson Bacterial spot disease remains a challenge for peach growers in the Southeast. Even after last year’s weather conditions were not conducive for the disease’s development, growers should consider it a threat every year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about the disease and its impact in an interview with AgNet Media. …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Exploring Alternative Crops and Evolving Practices
By Frank Giles An “alternative crop” is somewhat of a loaded term. What qualifies a particular plant as alternative varies widely. When does an alternative crop cross the line into being considered conventional? Is a more traditional crop planted in a new area, alternative? What about when new production systems take over in what are considered conventional crops? Those questions …
Pecan Scab Disease High in Some Areas This Year
By Clint Thompson Pecan scab disease was high this year in some areas in Georgia. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted what pecan-producing areas have experienced more scab than others. “On the eastern side of the state, it’s been a little drier and so the pressure has not been as bad. We didn’t see nearly as much …
Reason Not to Be Optimistic About Labor Reform
By Clint Thompson The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 would improve accessibility and labor costs associated with the H-2A program. After 40 years, reform is needed to ensure long-term sustainability for farming operations across the Southeast, especially after the recent court ruling that reversed the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current AEWR methodology is unlawful. John Hollay, president and CEO …
FBGA Meeting, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 15
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers and industry specialists are reminded that this year’s Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) Fall Meeting and Trade Show is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bonnet Springs Park Event Center in Lakeland, Florida. There will be industry updates, expert speakers, grower networking and a trade show featuring …
BMP Training Scheduled for Sept. 9
Florida specialty crop producers are reminded that an in-person Best Management Practices (BMP) Training will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle, Glade, Florida on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The workshop, which will include lunch, will last from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. BMP trainings are intended for …



















