Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Fields

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry growers’ first line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis is to plant clean plants. For those producers that have the disease in their fields, there are management options available, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Depending on the amount of infection you have, if it’s a relatively low level, you can …

Protect Citrus Trees Post-Freeze With Fungicide

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Growers in the cold-hardy citrus region should consider a fungicide application following snow last week and multiple days of running irrigation for freeze irrigation. That advice comes from Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, on the heels of historic snowfall recorded across the Southeast. “I’ve heard some people having up to 10 inches of …

Sneak Peek: February 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

The cover story of the February issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on Georgia specialty crop producer Justin Corbett. He highlights what has made the Corbett Brothers Farms so successful in Lake Park, Georgia. Corbett Brothers continues to thrive in an agricultural era dominated by increased input costs and seasonal imports. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) remains a …

UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program Has Widespread Impact

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry breeding remains an integral part of production, not only in the state, but in the country as well. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz emphasizes the impact his program has had on varieties being produced across the country. “In the case of Florida, I believe we have …

Frigid Temps, Historic Snow Impact Strawberries

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures and unexpected snow last week in the Southeast impacted specialty crops. Strawberry producers in Alabama, Florida and Georgia felt the sting of the winter storm. That included Alabama farmer Todd Cassenbaum. He resides in Lillian, Alabama, located just across from Pensacola, Florida, where historic snow amounts were recorded. Eight inches of snow fell on his …

temperatures

Snow and Sub-Freezing Temperatures Hit Cold-Hardy Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Freeze

Citrus in the cold-hardy region of South Georgia, South Alabama and North Florida encountered below-freezing temperatures and historic snowfall all week. Growers are now taking stock of their groves, surveying damage and preparing for what to do next, which includes managing phytophthora. “Most all of the crop was in, so there was very little exposure there. There’s a little bit …

Neopestalotiopsis Discussed at SE Regional

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A main topic discussed at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference centered on Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease in strawberry plants. One of the panelists believes the disease’s impact this year is directly linked to where growers obtained their plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease’s presence in Georgia fields …

Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference Scheduled for Jan. 28

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

The 2025 Tri-State Fruit & Vegetable Conference is open to fruit and vegetable growers across the Florida Panhandle, as well as the southern regions of Alabama and Georgia. The conference is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Jackson County Extension Peanut Hall Auditorium (2741 Penn Ave, Marianna, Fla.). The meeting will begin with registration at 7:15 am (CST) and …

Drought Monitor Update: Dry Areas Across SE

Clint ThompsonFlorida

This week’s rainfall should help the Southeast continue to gain needed moisture and overcome its current drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate and abnormally dry conditions still cover most of Florida, various parts of Georgia and central and northern parts of Alabama. The driest part of Florida remains in the northern area of the state. Moderate drought …

Statistically Speaking: H-2A Certified Positions in 2024

Clint ThompsonLabor

The H-2A system remains the most dependable method for specialty crop producers to find and implement its workforce. The Southeast continues to utilize a substantial amount of H-2A workers, as evidenced by 2024 statistics. Florida is still the largest employer of H-2A labor despite a decrease of 9% from fiscal year 2023. Florida accounted for 47,396 positions or 12.3% of …