By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices have not cooperated for Southeast growers looking to capitalize on their crop this summer. That’s a disheartening scenario for Georgia producers who are in the middle of their harvest season and will continue to be for a couple of more weeks. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental …
Busy 100 Days: Secretary Rollins Fights to Expand Market Access for Farmers
(Washington, D.C.) In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rolled out a five point plan to lower the cost of eggs, worked to expand market access for American farmers and empowered rural communities. “As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are …
Suspension Agreement Impact: Tomato Leader Insists Market Will Not Stop
By Clint Thompson The end to the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement will not disrupt the current market access to tomatoes nor will it impact prices consumers are paying. That’s the belief shared by Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “We’re going to see this hyperbole as I like to call it, or false narrative that tomatoes …
Sounding Off: Georgia Pecan Growers Optimistic About Indian Market
By Clint Thompson India is a viable export market for Southeast pecans. Growers who have visited the country attest to its viability as a consumer of pecans. This includes Georgia producer Justin Jones. “The possibility is there. They are the biggest consumers of nuts in the whole world. If every Indian ate two grams of nuts a day, every nut …
Juice Market Brings Questions for Georgia Citrus Growers
Expansion into the juice market may unlock a profitable marketing opportunity for Georgia citrus growers. But questions remain before growers can start planning this new course of action, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Hamlins and perhaps some early-season Valencias would work here in Georgia,” Savelle said. One question Georgia growers have about entering the juice …
Cold-Hardy Growers Eyeing Juice Market
A low volume of fruit in the cold-hardy citrus region is being produced for the juice market. With the current market prices for juiced citrus, that number could increase in the near future. This topic was discussed during the recent Georgia Citrus Association annual meeting in Tifton. “With the prices today, there is a future for it,” said grower Kim …
Alabama Extension Economist: High Input, Low Crop Prices a Major Challenge for Growers
By Clint Thompson The cost of doing business remains a huge concern for Alabama’s specialty crop farmers heading into the 2025 season. Input prices remain inflated, while market prices remain mostly deflated. Wendiam Sawadgo, Auburn assistant professor and Extension economist, explains how the math is not adding up for fruit and vegetable producers to remain sustainable. “Inflation has come down …
Alabama Pecan Leader: We Have to Market Ourselves Better
By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan growers need to think outside the box in the future when it comes to marketing their product. At least that’s the belief shared by Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate. “The guys that were doing more retail than wholesale, they’ve done okay. I honestly think that’s the trend that this Southeast market is going to …
Alabama Pecan Season: High Volume, Low Prices
By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan growers have nearly concluded harvesting this year’s crop. The theme for this season mirrors that in neighboring Georgia, high production with low market prices. Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate, explains this year’s pecan season. “As far as I know everybody is done. They’re picking up their last ones. It was a pretty good year. …
Pecan Prices Are Historically Low: Why?
By Clint Thompson Pecan prices are historically low across the country. Growers are losing money if they sell their crop at the current marketed price. “I heard (Monday) from a grower that was offered $1.50 for Desirables. You’re losing money big time at a $1.50 on Desirables,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells may have an …


















