Clint Thompson

2 days ago | specialtycropgrower.com | Clint Thompson

By Clint ThompsonA ‘significant increase’ in watermelon diseases is expected across the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida following rainfall last weekend. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, reported in his weekly email that reports over gummy stem blight and downy mildew should spike after rainfall impacted much of the Southeast.

3 days ago | specialtycropgrower.com | Clint Thompson

By Clint ThompsonAnthracnose in pepper is the basis for research collaboration between the University of Georgia and Cornell University. Incidences of the disease have increased in pepper in recent years, sparking concern of a new species or species complex within the agricultural communities in both Georgia and New York. Because of the lack of treatment methods available to organic producers, conventional growers, with access to fungicides, are more apt to suppress the pathogen and its impact.

3 days ago | specialtycropgrower.com | Clint Thompson

By Clint ThompsonTechnological innovations in agriculture were the focus of this year’s Integrative Precision Agricultural Conference. It is likely the key to survival for most farmers, but especially specialty crop producers, explains Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Technology has the potential to be the solution to level the playing field for U.S. growers.

3 days ago | specialtycropgrower.com | Clint Thompson

By Clint ThompsonAutonomous harvesters are the future of Florida strawberry production. They have to be. Labor costs are too high, prohibitively so, for Florida growers to continue at the current rate. It is why industry leaders are advocating for time and resources to be devoted to the development of automatic harvesters.

3 days ago | timesenterprise.com | Clint Thompson

Published 4:10 pm Monday, May 12, 2025 THOMASVILLE – Brookwood junior Mason Howell is one step closer to playing in this year’s U.S. Open. Howell was one of five golfers to qualify at a local U.S. Open qualifying tournament at Hawkstone Country Club in Gainesville, Florida, on May 8. He tied for first after finishing with a 7-under-par 64. “It was a lot of fun. I had my dad on the bag, and we always have a good time,” Howell said. “I got off to a really good start.