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 …
Alabama Extension Specialist Cautions Growers About Potential Insect Concerns
By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry weather conditions in parts of Alabama have been conducive for insect populations to build up. One insect pest is a concern this time of year, especially for tomato growers, explains Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “Right now, we are looking for some thrips,” Cremonez said. “They’re starting to show up …
Georgia Citrus Leader: We Need To Be Known For Something
By Clint Thompson Diversification is a key to Georgia’s citrus industry finding sustained success. But producers also need to pinpoint what they can specialize in. It needs to be a couple of specific varieties, emphasizes Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. “We want people to diversify to have a larger …
Drought Expected to Persist in Short Term
By Clint Thompson Current dry conditions in the Southeast are not expected to improve in the short term, which is challenging news for producers who are preparing to plant or currently are planting their crops. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its spring outlook for climate conditions. Southeast growers must be aware that the prolonged drought may …
Sneak Peek: April 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Florida fourth-generation farmer BJ Wilkerson and how his farming family seeks to solve the sustainability puzzle. Wilkerson is based in Gilchrist County, grows watermelon and attributes long-term sustainability to multiple factors like crop diversification, crop rotation and grafting watermelon plants to combat fusarium wilt disease. The …
Plant Source Remains Best Management Tactic for Strawberry Growers Against Neo
By Clint Thompson Plant source remains the best way for Southeast strawberry producers to manage neopestalotiopsis (Neo). Growers who obtained plants from nurseries with histories of Neo contamination have observed the disease this year. Those producers who got plants from disease-free nurseries out west have enjoyed Neo-free production seasons, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease …



















