In this month’s sneak peek, the August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the skyrocketing input costs that are impacting day-to-day farming operations. Various growers across the Southeast spoke up about the costs, relating to diesel, fertilizer and pesticide use. Those growers included Kent Hamilton and Jessica Kirk from Georgia and Tony DiMare from Florida, who said he has …
NCAE CEO Thankful for GT Thompson’s Labor Bill
By Clint Thompson Labor reform is hopefully on the way. It would be a long time coming for Southeast farmers, industry leaders and specialty crop organizations, who have advocated for H-2A reform for years. That includes John Hollay, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE). He expressed thanks to U.S. Representative GT Thompson and his labor …
False Positive: Food Safety Regulations Important Amid Potential Cyclospora Outbreak
By Clint Thompson A potential outbreak of the Cyclospora parasite impacting lettuce should serve as a reminder to Southeast farmers about the importance of food safety protocols and keeping good records of food safety activities. Keith Schneider, a professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food science and human nutrition department, talked about food safety …
Drought Monitor Update
The July 16 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought conditions in the southern and northern areas of Georgia, sufficient moisture throughout most of Alabama and extreme conditions in North Florida and down the state’s west coast. Alabama The driest areas in Alabama are located in the northern parts of the state. Moderate drought is observed in Northwest …
Corteva’s Transform Insecticide an Effective Option Against Jassid
By Clint Thompson The cotton jassid’s impact on certain vegetable crops means Southeast growers need a management plan. Corteva’s Transform® WG Insecticide is that tool growers can count on, says Jared Walls, Corteva Technical Field Agronomist in Georgia, who also covers Alabama and Florida. “The good news is Transform is currently labeled on many of those specialty crops. When you …
GFVGA Executive Director: We Have to Remain Unified Amid Potential Labor Reform
By Clint Thompson Additional work is required for the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and other specialty crop groups who want the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to become permanent. The recently released legislation, introduced by U.S. Representative GT Thompson, would bring much-needed reform to the H-2A system. But more week is needed to make the first reform to …
Blueberry Farmer Discusses USMCA, Mexico
By Clint Thompson Ryan Atwood may be one blueberry farmer in Florida, but he speaks for many Southeast specialty crop growers who believe change needed to be made to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That change could be on the way. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer issued a statement on July 1 that indicated the United States did not agree to …
Sneak Peek: July 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the July issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights artificial intelligence and its progress in the agricultural sector. The U.S. market value of AI in agriculture has surpassed $1 billion, though expectations are for that number to increase. AI’s costs remain the biggest barrier to specialty crop producers adopting it on a wide commercial scale. …
Despite Drought Relief, Irrigation Remains Critical for Cold-Hardy Citrus
Increased rainfall across the cold-hardy citrus region is a sight for sore eyes. Still, citrus growers in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama must stay on top of their trees’ water needs to help ensure a viable crop this season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, spoke on this subject at the recent …
Drought Update: Rain Helpful With Current Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson A week of rainy weather did a lot to reduce the drought-like conditions being experienced across the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, according to the June 25 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama One of the driest parts of Alabama remains in the southeastern part of the state. But it has been reduced to abnormally …



















