By Clint Thompson Back-to-back seasons of hurricane activity have significantly impacted pecan production for one Georgia grower. Instead of being down and out following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, though, Buck Paulk is rebounding with new and improved orchards and a new outlook on his farming life. “You just go through it and do it and still …
VOC Seeking Committee Nominations
Attention Georgia Vidalia onion producers: The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) is seeking nominations from industry producers. The VOC elects eight new nominees annually. Four members and four alternate seats are currently available on the committee. The VOC administers the Federal Marketing Order 955 locally and consists of eight producer members and their alternates, one public member and an alternate. The …
Florida Citrus Leader Applauds Block Grant Agreement
By Clint Thompson This week’s block grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) concerning federal disaster assistance is a win for the state’s producers, including Dan Richey, president of Riverfront Packing Company. He was present for Monday’s press conference in Felda, Florida, where Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced …
Secretary Rollins Announces $675.9 Million in Disaster Assistance for Florida Farmers
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins met with Florida agricultural leaders and producers on Monday and announced additional U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to help producers recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton. Secretary Rollins signed a block grant agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) that provides recovery assistance …
Summer Rains Limit Dry Conditions Across Southeast
Drought continues to be mostly a non-issue across the Southeast. This summer has provided adequate moisture across southern states like Alabama and Georgia. Even in Florida where dry conditions are prevalent, they have improved in recent weeks. This is according to the June 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida’s driest conditions are concentrated to the southern area of …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Touts ‘Great’ Time of Year for Fruits, Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Spring vegetable crops are in the ground. Fruits like peaches and blueberries are being harvested or about to be, as are Vidalia onions. It’s a great time of year for Georgia’s specialty crop industry, explains Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper. He touted Georgia Grown during the UGA Grand Farm groundbreaking ceremony in Perry, Georgia. “When you get …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Corbett Brothers Expanding Amid Increased Challenges
By Clint Thompson If your farming operation isn’t growing, it’s shrinking. That’s the Corbett family motto that’s been passed down from generation to generation. The philosophy serves as the basis for Justin Corbett, who operates Corbett Brothers Farms in Lake Park, Georgia, with his brother Jared. While some specialty crop farms are operating in survival mode due to increased input …
Southeast Regional Conference Scheduled for Jan. 9-11
By Clint Thompson The annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is just days away in Savannah, Georgia. While regular registration ends Tuesday, Jan. 7, on-site registration will still be available from Jan. 9-11. The yearly conference caters to fruit and vegetable production in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. The production seminars, scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will …
$21 Billion Disaster Relief Assistance ‘Will Be Beneficial’ to Farmers
By Clint Thompson Disaster relief assistance included in the American Relief Act, 2025, will not totally compensate for the losses specialty crop producers experienced this year related to hurricane damage. But the $21 billion set aside for farmers will help, especially those in the Southeast that suffered through Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Bringing World’s Produce Industry Together
By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) remains committed to “fighting for fresh.” IFPA serves as a strong advocate for farmers and strives to increase consumption of specialty crops around the world. Cathy Burns, chief executive officer of IFPA, shared her organization’s message during the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta in mid-October. “We’re going to fight …



















