Southeastern regions experienced some cold temperatures this past week, and it appears the cold is sticking around throughout next week. These temperatures pose a big threat to blooming fruit crops. After seeing high temperatures in February, some 10 degrees higher than the average, crops like blueberries and peaches may have some freeze damage as temperatures continue to drop next week. …
Southeastern Strawberry Pest Problems
Strawberries are starting to make their seasonal debut in the Southeast as Florida growers begin their harvest. After the harvest is a great time to reflect on issues from the previous season and look toward the next season. Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, assistant professor of entomology at Clemson University, recently gave a presentation on a strawberry pest that caused problems this past …
New Herbicide Application Technology Available in Georgia and Alabama – But Not Yet in Florida
With spring and the rainy season just around the corner, many cattle producers look toward fertilization and weed control applications in the weeks and months ahead. As part of our coverage of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Phoenix, we learned from Dow AgroSciences range and pasture experts that a new herbicide application technology is available in Georgia …
Florida Ag Policy Conference to Help Growers Deal with the Ever-Changing Global Economy
By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In light of the competitive and dynamic global economy, experts from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and other organizations will share knowledge about how to deal with pressures facing growers in Florida at the third annual Florida Agricultural Policy Conference. The conference will be held Feb. …
FAMU Center Boosts Florida Viticulture Industry
“When the grapes are out, we are out,” said Violeta Tsolova, professor and director of the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She was referring to the researchers and students at the center working to help grape growers be successful in the Southeast viticulture industry. NATIVE GRAPES Growers in the Southeast have …
Georgia Weighs In on Water War with Florida
The Florida-Georgia water war has made it to the nation’s highest court due to a dispute about water conservation. The water war involves the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. These rivers begin in Georgia, then join to form the Apalachicola River, which is near the Florida border and flows into the Apalachicola Bay. Florida began the war by requesting limitations on Georgia’s fresh water use. …
Florida Growers Prepare for Freezing Temperatures
Florida is off to a cool start in 2018 as parts of the state anticipate freezing temperatures during the rest of the week. According to Lisa Lochridge, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida growers are doing what they can to prepare for the cold. Lochridge says that Florida fruit and vegetables are well into …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Exploring Alternative Crops and Evolving Practices
By Frank Giles An “alternative crop” is somewhat of a loaded term. What qualifies a particular plant as alternative varies widely. When does an alternative crop cross the line into being considered conventional? Is a more traditional crop planted in a new area, alternative? What about when new production systems take over in what are considered conventional crops? Those questions …
Sneak Peek: September 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo and its triumphant return to Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day event was held on Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel. The new venue offered farmers and industry leaders convenience and amenities. Citrus and specialty crop …
Home Sweet Home: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Returns to Fort Myers
By Clint Thompson The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo returned home this year and provided the same vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. This week’s two-day event, held Wednesday and Thursday, was held in Fort Myers, Florida, its original home for nearly three decades. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, flocked to the …















