By Clint Thompson Georgia’s cotton crop may have started late due to excessive spring rains but is starting to take off, says Camp Hand, University of Georgia Extension cotton agronomist. This summer’s high temperatures have spurred cotton growth significantly. “Whenever we start looking at how the crop is progressing, we start looking at temperatures and models based on crop growth …
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry spell felt this summer has exacerbated the fall armyworm damage being observed in hay fields. Lisa Baxter, University of Georgia State Forage Extension Specialist, discussed the damage farmers are experiencing, not just in Georgia, but across the Southeast. “Fall armyworms can completely decimate a field overnight. Unfortunately, the better quality forage you have and …
By Clint Thompson Weather conditions have been conducive for disease buildup in Georgia peanuts, one disease in particular; white mold. Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, discussed his concerns with white mold at last week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “What concerns me most as an Extension specialist in Georgia and working with diseases on peanuts …
By Clint Thompson There is no shortage of issues impacting Georgia cotton production. Whether it is the unpredictable weather that affected planting this spring, insect pests like stink bugs and whiteflies, or the looming farm bill; all have challenged the state’s growers in their quest to be more efficient and sustainable. All were highlighted during the Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) …
By Clint Thompson Peanut acres increased substantially across the Southeast. Kris Balkcom, assistant Extension professor at Auburn University, discussed the region’s acreage at last week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Alabama increased from 172,500 acres in 2023 to at least 185,000 this year. Florida increased from 155,000 to 165,000, while Georgia increased from 770,000 to 850,000. Balkcom attributes …
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission, along with peanut organizations from neighboring states, is celebrating and learning more about peanuts at this week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Members from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association and Mississippi Peanut Growers Association are also in attendance. Talks have put the current crop under the spotlight …
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is hosting a photo contest through Oct. 1, 2024. It will feature peanut farms across Georgia to fill the pages of the 2025 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Photos will also be selected to be used in multiple promotional projects by the Georgia Peanut Commission throughout the year. Georgia producers are encouraged to submit their best high-resolution …
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension Cotton Team remind growers about the importance of using plant growth regulators (PGRs). The state’s cotton crop has benefited from recent rains which has spurred growth in the plants. It means the time has come for PGR consideration, says Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist. “Plant growth regulators …
By Clint Thompson Like other crop specific organizations, the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) anxiously awaits the next farm bill. Taylor Sills, GCC executive director, discussed this important piece of legislation that growers are hopeful will get passed sometime this year. The farm bill will be one of the many topics set to be discussed at this year’s mid-year meeting on …
By Clint Thompson The Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day will have a different look this July. Instead of being isolated to one specific day, those interested in learning more about the research at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia, can visit any time during a two-week timeframe in July, explains Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo executive director. “We’re looking forward to …
