By Clint Thompson University of Georgia research into the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer source for Vidalia onions shows it is a potential carrier for E. coli, a surrogate for Salmonella. Laurel Dunn, University of Georgia Extension coordinator and assistant professor in food science and technology, discussed her research at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in …
Georgia Citrus Growers to Vote on Marketing Order to Fund Research
Georgia’s citrus industry started with the help of University of Georgia (UGA) Extension. Research assistance from UGA could help the industry flourish. Georgia citrus growers will have an opportunity to vote on a marketing order that will help fund potential research, explains Ken Corbett, chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits and a producer at Corbett Brothers …
Vidalia Onion Plants Progressing Following Recent Cold Snap
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop is progressing this season despite a potentially devastating cold snap in late January. Cliff Riner, chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee, said multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures stalled the plants but failed to have a catastrophic impact. “We’re doing okay. We’ve had weather, but we’ve come through the weather surprisingly well,” Riner said. …
Not Going Away: UGA Entomologist Cautions Blueberry Producers Against SWD
By Clint Thompson Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) remains a threat to Georgia blueberry production. If growers stray from their spray programs, it could have devastating results, believes Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist. “Some growers, if they don’t see populations or don’t see activity in the field, especially when the weather is hot and dry, (they think) these flies …
Pecan Producers Should Decrease Input Costs
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers need to either decrease their costs of production or increase their yields to improve their sustainability. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells believes the best option for producers, especially in the short term, is to reduce costs. “We can increase yields, but that’s going to require having the varieties that have …
El Niño Helps Alleviate Dry Conditions Across SE
By Clint Thompson The El Niño weather pattern this winter has helped alleviate most of the dry conditions across the Southeast (SE). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions are mostly present in areas across North Alabama and North Georgia. Abnormal and moderate conditions are also observed along the west coast of Florida. Dry conditions stretch as far …
USDA Partners with Georgia to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced this week it has a cooperative agreement with Georgia under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Georgia are collaborating to offer $7.1 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the supply chain. Georgia is accepting applications …
Georgia Vegetable Producer: We Can’t Give Up
By Clint Thompson Sam Watson wears multiple hats in his role as a Georgia vegetable producer. Not only does Watson farm in Colquitt County, he also serves as president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association along with being a state senator. Watson is in position to implore legislative leaders to provide assistance against the numerous obstacles challenging the …
Georgia’s Pecan Bearing Acres at 146,000
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s bearing pecan acres in 2023 was 146,000 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. The number might continue to rise as more young orchards come online with a crop. “According to the satellite survey that the American Pecan Council did, and this has probably been four or five years ago, we …
Georgia Peach Trees Enjoying High Chill Hours
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peach producers have overcome one of the first obstacles of the production season – accumulating enough chill hours. Now comes the next challenge – surviving a potential late-season frost event. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, provided an update on chill hours which have been …



















