Spotted Lanternfly a Concern for Southeast Grape Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s recent revelation that the spotted lanternfly has been observed in Georgia should have the Southeast region’s grape producers on high alert. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the insect’s potential threat to the grape industry. “Unlike the brown marmorated stink bug, …

Chill Hour Update: Low Temperatures Helping Georgia Peach Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Chill hours in Georgia are ahead of where they were last year at this point in the season. That’s positive news for the state’s peach producers who need cooler temperatures to make next year’s crop. According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Byron, Georgia, received 241.5 chill hours from Nov. 10 to Dec. 16, compared to …

UGA Advice: Georgia Strawberry Growers Should Maintain Good Fungicide Program

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Disease buildup is starting to concern Georgia’s strawberry growers; one disease in particular. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed Neopestalotiopsis and its impact already amid the current growing season. “We are starting to see some (diseases) here and there. The one that’s coming up again is this Neopestalotiopsis, but so far …

AEWR Increases Renews Pleas for Transparency

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Next year’s increases of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is further evidence transparency is needed from the Department of Labor about how it justifies substantial pay increases for H-2A workers. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing 9% increases to $16.08, while Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the $14.77 rate in …

Helene Impact: Georgia Vidalia Onion Farmers Suffered Plant Loss

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion industry was not immune to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene when it moved through the region in late September. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, said plant stands were impacted; especially those planted right before the storm’s arrival on …

Helene Aftermath: Georgia Gov. Kemp Pleads for Federal Assistance As Soon As Possible

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia Governor Brian Kemp pleaded for federal hurricane disaster relief assistance during this week’s Georgia Farm Bureau meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia. He spoke specifically about block grants that would aid his state’s farmers still recovering from Hurricane Helene. “I continue to urge the current administration, the incoming administration and those in Congress to fund block grants …

Sen. Ossoff Pushing to Expand Mental Health Resources for Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to expand mental health resources for Georgia farmers. Ossoff launched a push to pass the bipartisan Farmers First Act, legislation he co-sponsored that aims to expand mental health resources for Georgia farmers.  The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the national Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) for Fiscal …

Georgia’s Predicted Pecan Yields: Who Knows?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan yields for this season are almost impossible to predict. Between increased plantings over the past decade and hurricane damage sustained from Helene this year, there is no good way to estimate this year’s crop, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “We know what the acreage is, but it’s hard to predict …

Registration Ongoing for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Registration is currently underway for the Southeast (SE) Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 9-11, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. The three-day event is catered to specialty crop producers in the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), talked about …

Georgia Farm Bureau to Hold Annual Convention

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

MACON, Ga. – Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the organization’s 87th annual convention. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and inspirational speaker Nick Parker are scheduled to address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 9 between 8:15 a.m. and …