H-2A Application Processing Resumes Amid Government Shutdown

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: A Tempered Economic Outlook

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned in late September after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. The well-known economist provided several macroeconomic observations about the current financial standing of the …

‘Unusual’ Lack of Tropical System Impact on Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Weather

By Clint Thompson One month remains in this year’s tropical season. The Southeast is one month away from not having a tropical system impact the region this year. It would be an unusual development, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Certainly, in most years we get some impact from tropical storms. It’s not unprecedented. We’ve had …

Market Price Impact Not Yet Known Following Termination of Tomato Suspension Agreement

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The impact of the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement will not be fully realized for another couple of months, according to one industry leader. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said that when the calendar turns to 2026 is when the tomato industry should see the full effect of the agreement’s termination …

Sneak Peek: November 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Cultiva and its high tunnel vegetable production. With approximately 865 high tunnels, covering a farmable area of about 150 acres, it is an impressive sight to behold in North Florida. But hurricanes in recent years, notably Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, have challenged production. Federico Boscolo with Cultiva discusses …

bed system

Bed System Benefits Citrus Production

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Productionj

A bed system used in citrus groves is still under research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. But one researcher is already convinced that the system, which includes fabric mulch, is beneficial for growers. “This system is better for them. It’s already being used in …

FFVA Issues Letter for H-2A Processing Amid Government Shutdown

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget regarding the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent pause in H-2A labor certification processing. Florida is the largest user of the H-2A program with approximately 50,000 certified positions every year. Timely processing is important to avoid disruption for Florida …

Fungicides’ Importance in Southeast Pecan Production

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Fungicide applications are an essential management tool for pecan growers in Georgia and Alabama. Weather conditions are conducive to scab disease development in the region that, over time, can cause resistant trees to lose some of their resistance. Case in point: ‘Avalon’ was a variety researched by the University of Georgia (UGA) breeding program and provided excellent …

Mark Your Calendar: UF/IFAS to Host Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course on Nov. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bell Community Center in Bell, Florida. The program is targeted towards watermelon producers in the Suwanee Valley region but is open to growers of any crop interested in learning …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Global Blueberry Production Challenges Domestic Market

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

By Frank Giles The global blueberry market has been evolving over the past 20 years. The fruit has grown in popularity with consumers worldwide. This is a good thing, but it has presented challenges for growers in the Southeast as increased production across the globe competes to supply the demand. Zhengfei Guan, associate professor of economics with the University of …