Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to protect Georgia farms from pests and diseases. Sen. Ossoff has launched a push to pass the bipartisan Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, legislation he co-sponsored to make permanent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, Georgia. The center trains the Beagle Brigade, dogs trained by …
Rain Effect: Disease Management Critical for Georgia Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Disease management in Georgia watermelons is currently a challenge considering how saturated fields are amid excessive rains this spring. The crop is susceptible to multiple diseases, and many farmers are unable to access the fields to apply much needed fungicides. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, discussed the …
Georgia Blueberry, Vegetable Growers Vote to Extend Assessments
Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced in April that Georgia blueberry growers voted to extend the $5 per ton assessment on marketed blueberries for an additional three years. The balloting was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2024, and the extension passed with 71% voting in favor. Georgia Growers marketing 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries …
Wet Weather Impact: Insect Pests Down
By Clint Thompson Insect populations are down across the Southeast. The deluge of recent rainfall has stalled the whitefly numbers, while other insects have also not been able to find footing so far this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “This is the time of year where squash bugs will come out after overwintering, …
Peachy Comeback: Georgia Fruit Set for Bumper Crop After Disastrous Season
Fort Valley, GA — Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets across North America. The signature sweet taste of Georgia’s legendary fruit was missed last season, and the Georgia Peach Council is excited to be back with a record-breaking crop of sweet Georgia peaches. Industry optimism is based on a full winter …
Pay Attention: Pecan Nut Casebearer a Concern for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson The time is now for Southeast pecan producers to pay attention to pecan nut casebearer, a pest that can devastate pecan trees if left unchecked. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, noted in the UGA Pecan Blog that the tiny nutlets on the trees’ terminal branches are exposed to feeding by the casebearer caterpillars. …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Harper, Agribusiness Leaders Explore Emerging Indian Market
Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Grown staff, and several Georgia agribusinesses visited New Delhi, India, in April on an agribusiness trade mission sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. The trade mission was led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Affairs Alexis M. Taylor and included representatives from 47 U.S.-based …
Downy Mildew Disease Observed in South Georgia Cucurbit Field
By Clint Thompson Georgia cucurbit producers should be aware that downy mildew disease has been detected in a cucumber field in Echols County. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable plant pathologist, noted the observation in the UGA Vegetable Blog. Weather conditions have been conducive for downy mildew development, and Dutta believes it is only a matter of time …
Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions Seek Nominations
(Atlanta, GA/May 8,2024) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced that 12 of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 24, 2024. The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers these commissions, which oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated …
2,4-D Herbicide Drift Damage Showing up in Pecan Orchards
By Clint Thompson Herbicide damage is showing up in Southeast pecan orchards. This is the result of row-crop burndown, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. It also has some growers concerned about the potential impact of 2,4-D mix drift on this year’s crop. “This is never a pleasant situation. It tends to be infuriating, nerve-wracking, …