By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell across the Southeast during the fall has prompted pecan producers to consider applying irrigation to their trees at a time when it is usually not required. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, explains the reasoning. “I’ve had a lot of growers call over the last couple of weeks. Normally this time …
Joyner Testifies on the Impact of USMCA on Florida’s Specialty Crops
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner expressed concerns about the impact of produce imports from Mexico under the current U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a public hearing held on Dec. 3. He reported significant losses in sales, market share and jobs within Florida’s produce industry due to unfairly priced imports from Mexico. The testimony was delivered as part of …
Chill Hour Update for Alabama Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson It is that time of the year when peach producers and industry leaders are keeping tabs on chilling hours. Peaches need chill hours to mature properly. Growers can largely gauge the success of the following season on how many chill hours their crop receives over the winter. According to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed …
Sneak Peek: December 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
By Clint Thompson The December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Hunter Farms, a South Carolina family-based operation that specializes in strawberries. Eric Hunter, who owns and operates Hunter Farms with his wife, Kristi, says strawberry farming is a calling. They produce approximately five acres every year along with plug plants for other growers. Hunter Farms also operates an …
It’s Dry Out There: Lack of Rain a Concern for Farmers Ready to Apply Plastic Mulch
By Clint Thompson The current dry spell impacting the Southeast could impact upcoming preparations for vegetable production, especially in South Georgia. The area, along with a patch in North Florida, is suffering through a prolonged dry period leading to exceptional drought designations in previous releases of the U.S. Drought Monitor. If the drought continues, it will likely hinder growers’ abilities …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Scheduled for Dec. 4
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers should mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 4 for the annual Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked about the upcoming meeting, scheduled to take place in Fanning Springs, Florida. “The first Thursday in December we’ll …
New, Renovated Look Expected at Next Year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson The annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference will have a different look next year that’s sure to appeal to attendees from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and the Carolinas. Renovations have been completed at the Savannah Convention Center, the site of next year’s event, scheduled for Jan. 8-10. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable …
Adequate Soil Moisture Is Key to Avoiding Fruit Drop
A lack of adequate soil moisture could make an already challenging situation for Florida citrus growers worse. It is imperative that producers keep applying irrigation amid any prolonged dry period, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus agent. Oswalt noted that many citrus-producing regions in Florida have had little, if any, rain in …
Where’s the Chill? Cold Temperatures Needed for Strawberry Production
By Clint Thompson It felt like spring during November in Northeast Alabama. That was not ideal if you are a strawberry producer needing cold temperatures so the plants will go dormant. But that’s the scenario that growers faced, not only in Alabama, but also throughout the Southeast region. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, discussed the situation facing …



















