Southeast Regional Conference Scheduled for Jan. 9-11

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is just days away in Savannah, Georgia. While regular registration ends Tuesday, Jan. 7, on-site registration will still be available from Jan. 9-11. The yearly conference caters to fruit and vegetable production in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. The production seminars, scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will …

UF/IFAS Research: Controlled-Release Fertilizers Protect Against Early Leaching

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Controlled-release fertilizers remain an effective and efficient way for North Florida watermelon producers to prevent leaching, specifically during the first few weeks of the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, has researched the system’s effectiveness. He spoke about control-released fertilizers at this …

Field Day Impact: UF/IFAS Empowers Growers with Valuable Insights

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Billie Rooney and her husband, Scott, operate a 40-acre farm near Live Oak, Florida, where they grow blueberries, blackberries and sunflowers and raise livestock. Farming is a second career for the Rooneys. So, they had a lot to learn. She and hundreds of other farmers and ranchers across Florida can attest to the importance of lessons learned from any of …

NWA Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Nomination for Ag Secretary

Clint ThompsonWatermelon

Lakeland, FL — The National Watermelon Association (NWA) extends its congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next Secretary of Agriculture. “As an organization deeply rooted in serving the interests of American farmers, we are encouraged by Ms. Rollins’ stated commitment to championing the needs of rural communities and agriculture producers,” said George …

Mass Deportation Would Impact Available Workforce for Specialty Crop Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Labor

By Clint Thompson President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants will have ramifications for the country’s specialty crop producers. The fruit and vegetable sector utilizes more labor than most and is more reliant on an international work force. If Trump follows through on one of his campaign promises, it would mean fewer workers for Ag employers across the country, …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations Update

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline indicates whitefly pressure to be low in the region, except for some fields in Southwest Florida and in Homestead, Florida. Scouts reported increasing population levels in the Immokalee area in various crops, including low to moderate levels in tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant, squash and cucumbers. Whitefly numbers are low …

Ag Leaders Disappointed with Increased AEWR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are once again facing a substantial increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2025. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing a 9% increase to $16.08, an increase of $1.40 per hour from the previous rate of $14.68 in 2024. Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the …

High Whitefly Populations Across Southern Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

High populations of whiteflies are being observed across the southern region of Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High population levels are being reported in some watermelon fields in Southwest Florida. However, scouts indicate low, yet increasing population levels in most crops, with nymphs being reported in some older fields. Whitefly …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Population Levels Vary

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly populations remain concerning throughout central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Despite low whitefly populations in watermelon in central Florida, virus incidence is in medium to high range. In Southwest Florida, scouting reports indicate low whitefly populations in beans and watermelon. Virus incidence in watermelon is in the medium to high range despite …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly infestations vary among vegetable fields in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouting reports show low populations of whitefly adults on tomatoes in central Florida. Low to moderate populations are reported in cucumber, and moderate populations are observed in early fall melons. In Southwest Florida, the recent rainfall has helped to lower whitefly populations. …