Sneak Peek: January 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine is a new publication for AgNet Media. It is a product of the merger of Florida Grower and Specialty Crop Industry magazines. The inaugural January issue features the specialty crop tracker, a record of the crop progress based on observations from producers, Extension agents and industry stakeholders throughout the Southeast. The crops highlighted include watermelons, strawberries, …

Florida Farmer Resorts to Processing Due to Recent Rains

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are still feeling the impact of inclement weather last weekend. Dustin Grooms with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, confirmed on Wednesday that he is processing strawberries this week that were damaged by rainfall. The damage was restricted to one variety, but that still involves a lot of acreage. “Going back and checking the …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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 Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest …

Adapting to Change is Name of the Game in Ag

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

By Clint Thompson Adaptation equals survival in the specialty crop sector. If producers are not willing to adapt to the changing agricultural times, their livelihoods will be significantly impacted to the point of extinction. That mindset has elevated one Alabama grower’s business over the last 30 years. “If you cannot adapt in this business, you will not survive,” said John …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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 Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Upstate Briana Naumuk Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed Carinata …

AEWR Increases for Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonLabor

Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2024 is expected to increase by 3% from $14.33 to $14.77, according to results from the most recent Farm Labor Survey that was released last week. As part of the Southeast that includes Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, Georgia expects a 7% rise in its AEWR, increasing from $13.67 to $14.66. Georgia’s …

It’s a First: Scientists Find Ethyl Vanillin in UF/IFAS-Bred Strawberry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers have found ethyl vanillin — an aroma compound in many artificial vanilla-flavored food products — in a UF/IFAS-bred strawberry. This is a key finding for the food and beverage industry and for the UF/IFAS strawberry breeding program. Vanilla beans contain the character-impact compound vanillin, which imparts vanilla flavor. Ethyl …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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 Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed Carinata Covers …

What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Web AdminSouth Carolina

Weekly Field Updates Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Briana Naumuk Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, …

Grower Panel, Tailgating Treats Highlight Annual Florida Ag Expo Event

Clint ThompsonFlorida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson Tailgating treats and insightful information highlighted Thursday’s Florida Ag Expo event. Specialty crop farmers and industry leaders flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Seminar sessions and field tours provided attendees valuable insight into how they can remain sustainable in crop production …