The young, burgeoning Georgia citrus industry has its sights set on a bright future. Even in the midst of a challenging winter season with two major freeze events, the industry continues its upward trend, believes Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. She discussed the state of the Georgia citrus industry during the association’s annual meeting on Feb. 28 …
Upcoming Vidalia Onion Field Day
Vidalia onion producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Vidalia Onion Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, April 6, at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC). The VOVRC is located at 8163 Hwy 178, Lyons, Georgia 30436. It will start with a sponsored lunch at noon, followed by a tour through the …
Diversification: Secret to Specialty Crop Success
By Clint Thompson Drew Echols attributes his success to not putting all of his eggs in one basket. The fifth-generation farmer who co-owns production on more than 600 acres in northeast Georgia is not afraid to adjust his farming practices to fit the current needs of specialty crop production. INCREASING ACRES, CROPS AND MARKETS“I looked at a lot of these …
CAES Research Keeps Georgia Agriculture on Leading Edge of Innovation
By Jordan Powers The University of Georgia Office of Research recently announced a record-breaking fiscal year 2022 with more than a half billion dollars spent on research and development. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) was responsible for $112.8 million, an increase of $13.8 million from fiscal year 2021 in overall money spent on research. These expenditures contribute …
UGA to Host Spring Farm Stress Summit
The University of Georgia will be hosting a Spring Farm Stress Summit on Monday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mercer University-Macon Campus. The summit welcomes those interested to attend the Summit and learn from others about how to combat farm stress within Georgia’s rural communities. The keynote speaker will be Marshal Sewell, a strategic account …
Ossoff Helps Secure Federal Resources for Rail System in Georgia
By Clint Thompson Railroads are an essential part of the agricultural industry. One U.S. Senator is doing his part in ensuring the railways remain a viable transportation option in one Georgia county. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) is helping upgrade the rail line for Candler County. “I have worked to build support in the Senate and pass with both republican …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Discusses Role, Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s newly sworn-in Commissioner of Agriculture has made it clear; his top priority is ensuring the state’s family farms remain sustainable now and into the future. Tyler Harper, who was sworn into office on Thursday, discussed his main objectives will be in office while attending the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference last week. To no surprise …
Registration open for 2023 Georgia Ag Forecast
By Jordan Powers Registration is now open for the 2023 Georgia Ag Forecast, which will be held Jan. 27 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. A live virtual option will also be available. The annual seminar, offered by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and UGA Extension, shares the latest research …
GFVGA: Omnibus Appropriations Bill Includes Significant Funding for Critical Ag Needs
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) expressed appreciation for the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, though it failed to address agriculture labor reform. “While the bill failed to include any action on agriculture labor reform, the bill did include significant funding for critical agriculture needs, including Georgia producers,” the GFVGA announced in an email. The bill included $8.25 million for …
Georgia Ag Forecast Meeting Set for Jan. 27, 2023
By Clint Thompson Georgia specialty crop producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Georgia Ag Forecast meeting, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Amanda Smith, senior public service associate in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), discussed what attendees can expect …