By Jaci Schreckengost Research at the University of Georgia (UGA) is becoming more focused on wine grapes as the industry continues to grow in Georgia. White County Extension Coordinator and Natural Resources Agent Nathan Eason says UGA’s current entomologist is putting a lot of effort into research on wine grapes for growers. The elevation in Georgia varies depending on the …
Post-Irma Root Rot Concerns in Georgia Peaches
Most of the nation is aware that the Florida citrus industry suffered greatly when Hurricane Irma made landfall in September 2017. The storm resulted in approximately $760 million in citrus damage. In addition, the Florida fruit and vegetable industry sustained about $180 million in loss. By the time Irma reached Georgia, it had weakened substantially, going from a hurricane to …
Cold Snap Threatens Georgia Peaches
A warm February and unexpected cold snap could mean trouble for Georgia peaches. Dario Chavez, assistant professor and peach research Extension specialist at the University of Georgia, says although concrete data has not yet been collected, damage was done. Chavez says that early varieties of peaches were pretty developed before the cold snaps within the first couple weeks of March. …
Florida-Georgia ‘Water War’ Could Keep Rolling Along
By Lloyd Dunkelberger, News Service of Florida Even if the U.S. Supreme Court gives Florida a favorable ruling in its lawsuit against Georgia over water flow into the Apalachicola River, the decision likely would result in more litigation and new legal challenges involving the decades-old water war between the states. Those were the observations of five legal experts who on …
Organic Watermelon Research in Georgia
By Jaci Schreckengost University of Georgia (UGA) researchers are examining different aspects of organic watermelon production to help give growers the best season possible in 2018. George Boyhan, professor and Extension vegetable specialist at UGA, said that aspects of organic watermelon production, such as breeding and spacing, are being studied. Having data on these subjects can help researchers give growers …
Grimmway Farms Opens Facility in Georgia
Jeff Huckaby, Grimmway Farms chief executive officer, hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black at the grand opening of Grimmway’s new Southeast region packing facility and warehouse in Sparks, Georgia, on Feb. 20. Huckaby said he is “really excited” to be making the move across the country, from California to Georgia, to open the …
Olive Industry Growth in Georgia
The Georgia Olive Growers Association is working to help improve the industry and give growers the tools they need to be successful. Vicky Hughes, executive director of the Georgia Olive Growers Association, has seen substantial growth in the industry. She said that approximately five years ago, when she began her current position, there were only about 130 acres of olives …
New Herbicide Application Technology Available in Georgia and Alabama – But Not Yet in Florida
With spring and the rainy season just around the corner, many cattle producers look toward fertilization and weed control applications in the weeks and months ahead. As part of our coverage of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Phoenix, we learned from Dow AgroSciences range and pasture experts that a new herbicide application technology is available in Georgia …
Georgia Peach Outlook Uncertain
Last year’s low-chill issues, combined with cold weather this year, could affect Georgia peach crops in 2018. Phil Brannen, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Georgia (UGA), gave an outlook for the peach season. Issues from 2017 have the possibility to carry over into this season and affect the crops. Many growers did not follow all the way through with …
Georgia Sets Goals for the 2018 Legislative Session
The Georgia legislative session began on Jan. 8, and agricultural leaders have set goals for what they would like to achieve this session. Bryan Tolar, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, spoke about the council’s priorities for the 2018 session. Tolar laid out a few key issues that will take much of his focus. He said he has spent the …
















