By Clint Thompson Pecan season has concluded in Georgia. That means the University of Georgia Extension meetings will soon be held throughout southern and central Georgia. The meetings are slated to start on Jan. 28 in Tattnall County and conclude on March 20 in Dougherty County The complete list of dates and locations include: Jan 28:Â Tattnall; Jan 30:Â Appling; Feb 4:Â Crisp; …
How Low Will It Go? Florida Blueberry Growers Eyeing Temperatures Next Week
By Clint Thompson Blueberry growers in northern Florida are eyeing freezing temperatures next week and could be implementing freeze protection strategies as a result. According to weather.com, low temperatures in Gainesville, Florida, are expected to drop in the low 30s on Sunday through Wednesday, with 31-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures expected Tuesday night and Wednesday night. That is a potential concern for …
Pest and Disease Hotline: Thrips Parvispinus Update
Thrips (T.) parvispinus remains a concerning pest for Florida’s pepper farmers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. T. parvispinus population levels are currently low in pepper fields along the east coast. However, at a few locations, infestation levels are moderate to high, especially at field edges located by ornamental nursery operations. Crop scouts report heavy foliar feeding …
South Carolina Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications Accepted Through Feb. 14
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) to enhance competitiveness of the specialty crop industry and expand markets for producers. Through this program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture …
Multiple Blueberry Varieties Being Produced Throughout Florida
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry farmers are not placing all of their eggs in one basket when it comes to planting certain varieties. That’s encouraging news for University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz. He reported at last week’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference that the Farthing variety comprised the most blueberry …
Registration Open for Upcoming Florida Citrus Show Event
The Florida Citrus Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce. The Florida Citrus Show combines educational seminars for both …
Early Watermelon Plantings a Concern?
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plantings are starting earlier and earlier in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. That’s concerning to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, though he understands why producers are putting plants in the ground at the end of February. “These watermelon farmers, …
Drought Update in Southeast
Drought continues to linger across certain regions of the Southeast, but it is dissipating in some areas. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida is suffering through mostly dry conditions with moderate drought remaining in the northern part of the state. An area in the Florida Panhandle, including Holmes, Washington, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, …
Fusarium Wilt a Lingering Concern for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are on the brink of planting this year’s crop. One lingering problem that still concerns growers is fusarium wilt, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. “I think one of the things that scares our guys the most is this topic of …
Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference Scheduled for Jan. 28
The Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Jackson County Extension Peanut Hall Auditorium in Marianna, Florida. That means fruit and vegetable producers from the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama and South Georgia are invited to attend. The meeting will begin with registration at 7:15 a.m. (CST), with the conference slated to begin at 8 …



















