In this month’s sneak peek, the October issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts blueberries under the spotlight and includes a feature on a pair of Georgia growers who are helping build a better future for the crop. Hunter Williams and Randy Miller, producers in Southeast Georgia, have different experiences and paths to the specialty crop sector. They discussed the …
Cooler Weather Key to Cold-Hardy Citrus Quality
Cold-hardy citrus producers are yearning for some cooler weather. It would not only provide some relief from the warm temperatures being experienced across North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama, cooler temperatures will aid in color development in this year’s fruit, among other benefits. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed the impact of …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Increase in Year-Round Imports Pressuring Growers
By Frank Giles Every so often, we’ll see another data point that confirms an argument we’ve been making for years in the Southeastern specialty crop industry: Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are putting our growers at a disadvantage. In this instance, the data comes from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) recently published report, “Competing Across the Calendar: The …
Variety Testing A Focus of Upcoming SE Strawberry Expo
By Clint Thompson Registration is currently ongoing for this year’s Southeast Strawberry Expo scheduled for Nov. 8-11 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina. One of the topics on this year’s agenda is variety testing, as conducted by Austin Wrenn, with Wrenn’s Farm. He will provide updates on what works well in what soil …
Strawberry Planting Season: Plant Source the Difference in Managing Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings will soon begin across the Southeast. Plant sourcing remains the best line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We tell people to make sure you’re talking to your nurseries and getting from a nursery that does not have a history of having it, …
Cooler Temperatures On The Horizon
By Clint Thompson Cooler temperatures are on the way in the Southeast. It’s not a moment too soon for farmers and residents in Florida, Alabama and Georgia who have endured high temperatures well into September. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the heat and what’s on the horizon during an interview with AgNet Media. “It looks …
Certainty Needed With H-2A Wages
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Ag labor reform is necessary for long-term sustainability for fruit and vegetable farmers, especially those located in the Southeast region. But change is also needed for growers to have certainty as to what they are paying for workers in the H-2A program. Right now, that does not exist, says Mike Joyner, president of the …
Protect Citrus From Getting Sunburn
By Clint Thompson It will not be long before citrus producers in the cold-hardy citrus region start harvesting this year’s crop. But there are still weeks left of production where growers must manage their fruit. Much of that management will center on protecting the crop from the sun, a problem that’s only intensified in recent weeks, according to Mary Sutton, …
IFPA Chief Global Policy Officer Discusses Specialty Crop Transportation During House Hearing
By Clint Thompson Specialty crops were a focus of the House Committee on Agriculture’s special hearing on Wednesday that centered on increasing demand and opportunities for homegrown products. One of the witnesses was Alexis Taylor, Chief Global Policy Officer with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in Washington, D.C. She was asked about shipment of fresh produce and how Congress …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …



















