By Clint Thompson Disease buildup is starting to concern Georgia’s strawberry growers; one disease in particular. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed Neopestalotiopsis and its impact already amid the current growing season. “We are starting to see some (diseases) here and there. The one that’s coming up again is this Neopestalotiopsis, but so far …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Bringing World’s Produce Industry Together
By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) remains committed to “fighting for fresh.” IFPA serves as a strong advocate for farmers and strives to increase consumption of specialty crops around the world. Cathy Burns, chief executive officer of IFPA, shared her organization’s message during the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta in mid-October. “We’re going to fight …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Diversification is Name of Game for Southern Hill Farms
By Frank Giles Life can come at you fast in farming. Growers in it for the long term learn to adapt with the times and overcome the many challenges that come their way. That is the case with the Hill family, who has been farming in Central Florida for generations. The family operation has its roots in Lake County. But …
Intermittent Irrigation Can Save Strawberry Growers As Much As 67% on Water
As we enter Florida’s strawberry-growing season, establishing young strawberry plants in the field requires substantial water. New University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research shows that growers can save as much as 67% — or up to half a million gallons per acre per season by alternating sprinkler cycles on and off — and achieve the …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet …
Sneak Peek: December 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The cover story of the December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Southern Hill Farms in Lake County, Florida. Diversification is the name of the game for David Hill and his family’s farming operation. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and vegetable crops are available, which has widened the you-pick season through the fall, winter and spring seasons. The International Fresh Produce …
Risk Takers: What Strawberry Growers Should Remember About Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson The serious threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry plants this fall means growers need to be aware of the management options at their disposal. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed the available options for producers who risked this …
Prolonged Drought’s Impact in Central Alabama
By Clint Thompson Lingering drought conditions in Alabama are impacting fruit crops in central Alabama. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent, said the prolonged dry spell and warm temperatures are impacting his growers’ peach trees and strawberry plants. “Where I am peaches and strawberries are the main thing. Peaches have already set their buds. They set those in the late summer. …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: 2024 Hurricanes Rock Fruit, Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The fall of 2024 will not soon be forgotten by specialty crop growers in the Southeast after Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared ashore bringing far-reaching impacts to crops and infrastructure. While the true fallout of the storms will take months to realize, early reports show the level of damage growers are dealing with in …


















