By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season. Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …
Georgia’s Peach Harvest is Underway
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s producers have begun peach harvest of this year’s crop. However, increased volume is not expected until early-to-mid June, according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “This is about our normal start time. It wasn’t necessarily expected to be our normal start time after March …
Extreme Weather Conditions: Georgia’s Vidalia Onions, Blueberries Impacted
By Clint Thompson Two of Georgia’s top specialty crops were impacted significantly by extreme weather events this spring; one positively and one negatively. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, described the impact that the current dry conditions have had on onion harvests and the spring freeze events on the state’s blueberry crop. “The onion harvests this year, of …
Insect Populations Increasing Amid Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Hot temperatures and little rainfall could be a recipe for increased insect pressure in Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discusses what vegetable growers should be scouting for as the calendar turns to May. “Squash bugs are picking up, because they’re coming out of overwintering. We’re seeing squash bugs and squash bug …
Irrigation Showcase: UGA-Griffin Breaks Ground on Site
By Ashley N Biles for CAES News Industry professionals, homeowners and researchers will soon get a firsthand look at new irrigation technologies in action at a demonstration irrigation site being constructed on the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus. On March 28, workers broke ground on the project, which is a collaboration between the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, UGA Cooperative …
Supply Chain Emergency in Georgia
Georgia governor Brian Kemp’s executive order declaring a supply chain emergency for his state will remain in effect through Sunday, May 15. The main points of the executive order include: “No motor carrier operating under the terms of this State of Emergency will require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies …
Date Set for Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day
Pecan producers in Southeast Georgia can mark their calendars for the next University of Georgia Extension Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day. The event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 17 in Baxley, Georgia. Equipment viewing will start at 8 a.m., while the field day will begin at 9 a.m. Those interested in attending can call 912-367-8130 to sign up. The …
Georgia Peach Producers Stay Diligent with Fungicide Sprays Amid Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions that are prevalent in much of Georgia should not be mistaken as an opportunity for the state’s peach producers to let up on their fungicide spray program. Even as the crop nears harvest, farmers should stay diligent with their fungicide applications, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist. “The spray program, cover …
Georgia Watermelon Crop Stymied by Adverse Weather Conditions
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s watermelon crop is off to a sluggish start following cool temperatures, heavy rains and high winds in recent weeks. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, describes the impact he has noticed in fields so far. “There’s a little bit of cold injury. The largest impact is everything’s …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Latest Update for Southeast
South Florida continues to experience various levels of dry conditions, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Severe drought conditions are observed along the southwestern part of the state, in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Moderate dry conditions are being felt in the south-central region, as far north as Hillsborough, Polk and Osceola counties and as far …