Alarming levels of fungicide resistance have been detected among isolates of the pathogen that causes target spot on tomato in Florida. By Gary E. Vallad and Samuel Hutton Fresh-market tomatoes are a valuable crop for Florida and are vulnerable to a number of fungal diseases. However, few fungal diseases have caused as much grower concern over the last six years …
NWA Executive Director Advocates for H-2A Improvements
By Clint Thompson Amid current delays in the H-2A system, one agricultural leader expressed his feelings about the program and its impact on his specific sector. George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association (NWA), discussed the program in an interview with AgNet Media. He described it as a “necessary evil.” “I will say the program itself has a …
Sneak Peek: May 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the May issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights peaches and how one Georgia grower is seeing strong production. Lane Southern Orchards in Central Georgia is one of the state’s top peach producers. Farm manager Tyler Wainwright discusses production and the secrets to his company’s success, including not having production all in one area and …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Producers Seek USMCA Improvements
By Frank Giles When the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect in July 2020, specialty crop growers in the Southeast were disappointed the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement did little to protect their domestic interests and markets. When the agreement was crafted, it included a provision that the USMCA would undergo a joint review to assess …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Grower Collaboration Critical for Beneficial Research
By Frank Giles In 1862, President Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into law. The legislation created the land-grant university system that was intended to teach about farming practices and serve agriculture. That mission continues to this day, and you see land-grant universities in the Southeast cited often in this magazine. Those institutions have played a vital role in the advancement …
USDA Deputy Secretary Discusses Specialty Crop Economic Aid
By Clint Thompson and Dale Sandlin Amid calls for increased dedicated financial aid for specialty crops, Stephen Vaden, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary, emphasizes that additional appropriations cannot be made possible without congressional approval. In an interview with Dale Sandlin, Ag News Director for Southeast AgNet, Vaden was asked about the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which allocated $12 …
Lack of Tropical System Lit Fire Under Current Drought
By Clint Thompson Not to have hurricanes or tropical storms to impact the Southeast last year was good news in that extensive damage was avoided in the region. But it was bad news in that the region missed out on rainfall which has spawned the current drought conditions in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. “In the summer in Georgia, I think …
‘I Think We’re Okay Until May’: Current Drought Minimal Impact on Pecan Trees
By Clint Thompson The current dry spell impacting the Southeast is having minimal impact on the region’s pecan crop – at least for now. That’s according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells discussed irrigation and pecans’ water needs during last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Tradeshow in Perry, Georgia. “We are pretty dry right …
Potential Impact of Drought on Citrus Production
The prolonged drought in the Southeast could negatively impact citrus trees if growers are not applying the right amount and frequency of irrigation. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, shared that message following the April 2 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor map for the Southeast. The map shows exceptional drought conditions worsening and …
‘Unusual’ Spring Drought Expands, Worsens
By Clint Thompson Drought across the Southeast region continues to expand and worsen, according to the April 2 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest part of the region is located in South Georgia and North Florida with exceptional drought conditions being reported. Extreme drought expands from South Georgia to the central part of the state, while the eastern …



















