By Clint Thompson Pecan industry leaders are currently discussing the possibility of the industry enrolling in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) Program. The program is administered by the Farm Service Agency and offers loans to farmers of eligible commodities to help manage cash flow needs and provide marketing flexibility. Georgia grower Justin Jones was part …
Extension Agent: North Florida Watermelons Progressing Like They Should Be
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons are progressing like they should, even amid a rare spring drought and following a dangerous freeze event that impacted the region in mid-March. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the crop’s progression during an interview with AgNet Media. “I …
Extreme Drought Conditions Challenging Southeast Alabama
By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …
SCFBA Applauds House Approval of H.R. 7567
WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement on the approval by the House of Representatives of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman (GT) Thompson for his leadership and perseverance, and we thank the House for advancing H.R. 7567, marking …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Report 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 Daniel Lyon Pee Dee Report Brad Fowler Upstate Report Samantha Brown Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds …
North Carolina Impact: Tarnished Plant Bug Infestations High in Strawberries
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 …



















