By Clint Thompson It was a typical mid-summer scene in South Georgia: scorching temperatures, dusty fields and farm work in progress. For youngster Jaime Patrick, it was just another day at Patrick Farms in Omega, Georgia. “Working here on the farm in the summers, we were growing sweet potatoes at the time. We always had people walk behind the transplanter; …
Southeast Saturated During Current El Niño
Once covered in drought conditions, the Southeast now has sufficient moisture. If the persistent rains being felt amid the current El Niño weather pattern didn’t provide enough of a clue, it is once again reflected in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. There are no indications of abnormally dry conditions in either Alabama or Georgia. Both states have sufficient moisture. Only …
Alabama Extension Agent Highlights Current Weather Challenges Impacting Producers
By Clint Thompson Weather conditions over the past month have challenged Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers. Excessive rain delayed growers from being able to get in the fields. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama, highlighted that challenge his producers have faced in recent weeks. “The biggest thing is just getting fields ready; getting ready to plant. We’ve …
What’s Next? Management Tips for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground throughout North Florida. Growers are now tasked with ensuring their plants are protected and cared for over the next couple of months. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provides some management tips for producers. “We want to …
Abnormally Dry Conditions Minimal Across SE
Last fall should seem like a long time ago for specialty crop producers in the Southeast (SE). An extended drought lingered for multiple months throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama during that time period. That drought is not the case anymore, however, according to latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Minimal drought is present across the region, which includes no …
Growers Must Settle for HLB-Tolerant Trees While Waiting for Resistance
The dream of citrus varieties being totally resistant to huanglongbing (HLB) disease (citrus greening) is still a distant reality for Florida growers. For now, they must depend on tolerant varieties to lessen the disease’s impact, which is widespread throughout most of the state. Michael Rogers, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center …
UGA Research Centered on Anthracnose in Cucurbits
By Clint Thompson A research grant targeting anthracnose disease in cucurbit crops has one University of Georgia scientist studying irrigation timing and leaf wetness. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, outlined the details of his part of the research. “To document periods of leaf wetness and how that really influences the …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Upcycling Crop Waste to High-Value Products
By Edmar Ramos de Oliveira Filho As the transition away from fossil fuels occurs, efforts to move from a linear to a circular economy are necessary. Biotechnology can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This includes new processes for biomanufacturing innovative products from renewable sources, thereby avoiding the use of petroleum-based feedstocks and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural …
Conference to Examine Policy Issues Facing Agribusiness Leaders
This year’s Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference will examine critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provide valuable economic insights to help stakeholders make informed business and policy decisions. The conference returns to the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on April 17, where it was held last year. Those interested in attending can register here …
Tomato Breeding: One Way to Decrease Costly Need for Labor
By Clint Thompson Labor expenses are a costly input for Florida tomato producers and serve as a significant reason the industry is emphasizing research into automated harvesters. Opinions vary on whether that dream ultimately becomes a reality, though University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown insists there are alternative ways for growers to …



















