As growers surveyed fields and groves after the freeze in late January and early February, it was clear the damage had been catastrophic in many cases. That was confirmed by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson with the first estimate of damage released on Feb 20. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) preliminary estimates of losses to Florida …
Ag Wage Reform Coalition to Hold Issue Briefing/Roundtable in Washington D.C.
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is helping host an issue briefing and roundtable in Washington D.C. on Feb. 24. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed the meeting’s importance and its message. “We’ll have growers and representatives from 39 organizations and nine states that now make up the …
North Florida Extreme Drought Could Worsen
By Clint Thompson Extreme drought conditions in North Florida have led to advisories issued for water conservation. It’s a key development for growers who are preparing to plant watermelons in the Suwanee Valley Region. But the biggest concern is the current dry conditions could only worsen over the next couple of months. “I think the biggest concern is that we’re …
USDA Announces Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Impacted by Unfair Market Disruptions
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, …
Cold Weather’s Impact on South Florida Crops
By Clint Thompson South Florida experienced a freeze/ice storm the region hasn’t seen in about 15 to 16 years, according to one industry expert. Gene McAvoy, a crop consultant, talked about the Feb. 1 storm that impacted multiple crops, including watermelons, sweet corn and tomatoes. “If (watermelons) weren’t covered, they’re gone. A lot of them were young so they can …
AFVGA Annual Conference Important for Alabama Growers
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) celebrated its annual conference and trade show this week in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Farmers, industry leaders and Extension personnel flocked to the Lodge at Gulf State Park to learn about various trends and topics impacting the fruit and vegetable industries. Topics like Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, paper mulch research in …
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 Upstate Samantha Brown Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary …
New Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower Solutions
Syngenta has been a leader in the sugar baby watermelon category and will strengthen that position with the launch of a new variety in 2026. The new watermelon, Bahama, comes in just a bit smaller than other sugar baby offerings, which is right in line with consumer preferences. “We are excited to add Bahama to our sugar baby portfolio,” says …
2025 Warmer Than Normal for Most of Southeast
By Clint Thompson The 2025 calendar year was warmer than normal for most of the Southeast region, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. Knox noted the weather conditions in the UGA Climate Blog. “There are obviously variations across the state. I would say almost the entire state, with the exception of areas right around Macon, …
Hotline Update: Whitefly Update in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly populations vary across southern Florida. Population levels in vegetables in Southwest Florida are currently moderate to high and continue to go up every year. High populations are reported in squash, eggplant and some cucurbit crops. Scouts are also reporting moderate to high population numbers in tomato, tomatillo, beans and newly …



















