By Emily Cabrera State governments are asking people to be on the lookout for an invasive insect pest called spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). University of Georgia (UGA) experts say vigilant prevention strategies, early detection and timely interventions can help keep them from spreading into Georgia. Native to China, India, Vietnam and parts of Eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly is now …
What Are Vidalia Onion Producers Planning for This Season?
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are less than months away from transplanting this year’s crop. Growers are already thinking about and planning for this year’s production season. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what is on the minds of farmers on the heels …
Pecan Specialist: Idalia Impact ‘Pretty Severe’ on Southeast Georgia Crop
By Clint Thompson Southwest Georgia is not the only area in the state with a substantial amount of pecan acres. The southeastern part of the state has grown tremendously over the past two decade, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. That is why Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the region on Aug. 31 left a devastating impact on …
UGA Vegetable Specialist: Nitrogen Applications in Onions Need to Be Adjusted
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers should avoid applying too much fertilizer during planting. Too much can be leached out over the course of the production season, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed nitrogen applications and his research during the Vidalia onion meeting last week in Lyons, …
GFVGA Encourages Members to Fill Out Labor Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) encourages its producers to share their experiences with the H-2A program with the Agricultural Labor Working Group. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee established a bi-partisan committee that focuses on workforce issues faced by the country’s farmers. The Ag Labor Working Group is requesting input from growers via survey. Georgia is one of …
Georgia Ag Commissioner: Agriculture Took Pretty Significant Hit During Idalia
By Clint Thompson It did not take long for Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper to determine the impact Hurricane Idalia had on his state’s No. 1 industry, especially the pecan crop. His group was in Southeast Georgia the day after the storm moved through the region on Aug. 30. They surveyed damage and spoke with farmers impacted by the natural …
Root System Development Should Be Key Focus of Pecan Tree’s Early Years
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers need to avoid “pushing their trees so hard” during the early years. The tops are too large to be supported by their root systems, said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells wrote in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog after assessing the damage from Hurricane Idalia last week. The storm led to …
Idalia Aftermath: Southeast Georgia Pecan Crop Heavily Impacted
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan producers continue to assess what’s left of their crop in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia last week. Those in Southeast Georgia were especially devastated by the storm that packed high winds and heavy rainfall. It led to a substantial amount of this year’s crop gone, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I …
Idalia Aftermath: Power Restoration a Priority for South Georgia Producers
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Idalia’s path through Southeast Georgia left many powerless. It is a concern for those with fall vegetable crops in that part of the state, says Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “That area we’re hearing from, Lake Park, appears to be hit particularly hard with tons of trees down …
Pecan Producer Loses Some Trees, Talks Season
By Clint Thompson Count pecans as one crop impacted by Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the Southeast. Trees toppled over. Limbs fell to the ground. Nuts were lost. One of those farmers who suffered loss was Jimmy Ross, a Tift County producer in South Georgia. He said a small orchard off Chula-Whiddon Mill Road had multiple trees down following Wednesday’s storm …