Drought is expanding and worsening across the Southeast, especially in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of Alabama is suffering from dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. The driest part of the state is located in the northwest part of the state. Severe conditions are located …
Spotty Showers, Heat Trending Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson The current dry weather with occasional spotty rainfall is trending across the Southeast. According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, it’s likely to continue through the week. “I’m looking at the rainfall forecasts for the next couple of weeks. It does look like there’s going to be some periods of rain across different parts …
Dragon Fruit Workshop Spurs Excitement, Collaboration for Robust Industry in Florida
Dragon fruit is a heart-healthy superfood, low in calories and fueled with plenty of fiber and antioxidants – and it’s in high demand among consumers worldwide. An increasing number of consumers are growing this fruiting cactus vine in their home gardens and are finding new ways to include it as a key ingredient to main dishes, in desserts and drinks. …
What’s Next? Florida Blueberry Farmer Concerned About Future Tropical Systems Following Hurricane Debby
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …
Drought Conditions Linger Across Southeast
Drought-like conditions continue to persist across parts of the Southeast. But they have also decreased since a couple of weeks ago, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida’s dry conditions are mostly isolated to the northern region of the state. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in an area containing Dixie, Levy, Gilchrist, Columbia, Union, Alachua, Marion and Citrus counties. Polk …
Persistent Rains Expected Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Rainfall has been more persistent in recent days across the Southeast. According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, that current trend should continue over the next few weeks in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. “It’s look like we’ve switched into a much wetter pattern. We were under this high pressure that lasted for most of …
USDA Expands Fresh Market Beans Insurance Program to Florida
VALDOSTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the fresh market beans insurance program to two southern Florida counties: Hendry and Palm Beach. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) currently offers coverage in New York, North Carolina and Virginia. “Fresh market bean growers in Florida and stakeholders have asked for crop insurance,” said Davina Lee, director of RMA’s …
Most of Southeast Observing Drought-Like Conditions
Dry conditions continue to persist across the Southeast with certain areas intensifying in North Florida, Georgia and Alabama. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions concentrate most of Northeast Florida. The drought starts as far west as Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty and Franklin counties and extends eastward to Duval, Saint Johns and Flagler counties and southward to Volusia, Marion …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Blackberry Success for Central Florida Producer
Florida specialty crop farmer Matt Parke may still be a relative newbie when it comes to blackberry production. But he seems to have figured out a secret to blackberry success in Central Florida. “Here in Central Florida, we don’t get the chill hours required to make them flower good, so you’ve got to figure out how to trick them into …
Drought Monitor Update: Moderate Conditions Observed in Southeast Region
Intense heat and lack of rainfall have contributed to moderate dry conditions expanding across the Southeast, including in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Northeast Florida is mostly moderately dry. The dry area starts as far west as Jefferson and Madison counties and expands eastward to Duval, Saint Johns and Flagler counties and southward to Marion …



















