Southeast
UF new host for major plant breeding accelerator program
The University of Florida (UF) is the new home for a plant breeding improvement program. Breeding Insight (BI) is a USDA Agricultural Research Service-funded program that supports public breeding efforts via more than 61 USDA... more »
Southern growers to benefit from Helene recovery funding
Georgia will receive more than $531 million in federal assistance through a block grant agreement to help producers recover from Hurricane Helene, while South Carolina will receive more than $38.3 million. USDA announced the grants,... more »
JDI’s Racing for melons: From the fields to the finish line
Ross Chastain is known for being a top racer on the NASCAR circuit, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, among others. Behind the wheel, he’s got a background that fuels his competitive... more »
National ag groups applaud AEWR decision
A federal court in Louisiana on Aug. 27 vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule, bringing a much-needed measure of wage stability for agricultural employers as Florida... more »
UF/IFAS to host stone fruit field day
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has scheduled a stone fruit day for May 7 in north-central Florida. The Stone Fruit Field Day is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.... more »
Watermelon leader Buddy Leger dies
Buddy Leger Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, a major U.S. watermelon and pecan grower, has died. He was 92. Leger co-founded Leger & Son, based in Cordele, Georgia. Leger, who was also a leading figure in... more »
Kemp McLeod earns 2025 Mr. Peach award for leadership in peach growing operations
One of South Carolina's largest peach growing operations received top recognition on January 11. Kemp McLeod, owner of McLeod Farms in McBee, was named 2025's Mr. Peach. The honor was presented during an awards breakfast... more »
Southeast fruit and vegetable industry awards recognize leaders
Growers continue to depend on county and state Extension agents and personnel to help solve agronomic challenges. At the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Association (GFVGA) and the South... more »