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 …
How Long Can We Wait? Timeliness Essential When Consuming Leftovers
By Clint Thompson Thanksgiving Day feasts across the Southeast this week means people are consuming plenty of delicious foods like turkey, ham, fruits and vegetables. While food safety is essential Thanksgiving Day, it is also important for those leftovers and how long people can wait before consuming them. Keith Schneider, a food safety professor in the University of Florida Institute …
Georgia Growers Tour Brazil’s Citrus Industry
A recent tour of Brazilian citrus provided Georgia growers with valuable information on how to capitalize on production amid huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and owner of JoNina Farm, was one of seven producers who attended the week-long tour this fall. One of the main observations was Brazil’s strong production despite the prevalence …
La Niña Looms: Dry Conditions Could Worsen
By Clint Thompson A looming La Niña weather pattern means the current dry conditions across the Southeast are likely to worsen over the next couple of months, according to, Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re going into a La Niña winter, and typically a La Niña winter means we are more likely to have a warmer …
Upon Further Review: Freeze Protection Methods Work Well for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers
By Clint Thompson Upon further review, citrus trees in the cold-hardy citrus region of South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama appeared to have fared well following the Nov. 10-11 freeze event. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, needed a few extra days to look over some of the trees in her area following …
Drier Than Usual: UGA Extension Ag Climatologist Discusses Current Drought
By Clint Thompson The fall part of the year is normally a dry time for the Southeast region. This year’s conditions have been drier than normal, however, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re a little stymied right now because a lot of the maps we usually look at haven’t been updated by NOAA which …
Cold-Hardy Citrus Harvest Begins Early
The anticipated disappointment has become a reality for cold-hardy citrus growers; satsuma mandarins are in short supply. The predominant citrus variety grown in the region will not have much of a crop this season as harvests have already begun across the cold-hardy region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. As expected, citrus volume will be short, mostly due …
H-2A Application Processing Resumes Amid Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …
November Management Tips for Blueberry Growers
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers management tips for blueberry growers in November. Growers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. As far as insect pests, producers should begin monitoring for blueberry gall midge and spray recommended insecticides when adults are seen. If traps are not being implemented, spray right before floral …



















