Fertilizer prices are up dramatically this spring, increasing input costs for growers. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows prices are up between 17% and 57% since the fall. David Widmar of Agricultural Economics Insights says that while nitrogen often gets the most attention, phosphorus prices are up the most. Anhydrous ammonia and urea are up 37% from the fall, …
Cotton Trust Protocol: GCC Encourages Producer Participation
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) continues to encourage state producers to enroll in the Cotton Trust Protocol. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol was established by growers through the National Cotton Council to promote sustainability efforts of the American cotton producer. Just recently, the National Cotton Council announced that U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol had passed a milestone of welcoming more than …
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Revised Conservation Practice Standards
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 23 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions were published earlier this month, and all comments are due April 8. The proposed revisions include: Stream Crossing- modification to allow vented fords as an alternative. Waste Treatment – Milk House- …
Fertilizer in Furrow: UGA Extension Advises Farmers Against Practice
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort didn’t recommend applying fertilizers in furrow before his research last year. He certainly doesn’t recommend it now. Peanut producers are a couple of weeks away from planting this year’s crop. Monfort cautions farmers against the myth that applying fertilizers in furrow yields positive results. What’s the Point? There’s no upside to …
GPC Drives to Successful Weekend in Atlanta
Georgia peanuts scored a win Sunday during the NASCAR race in Atlanta. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) sponsored NASCAR driver Anthony Alfredo during this weekend’s Georgia race. The Georgia Peanuts logo covered Alfredo’s car from front to back. It was another fitting way for the GPC to celebrate National Peanut Month. “Another new event that we’re doing this year for …
GPC Celebrating National Peanut Month
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is using March to celebrate peanuts and its nutritional benefits with promotional events throughout the country, according to Joy Crosby, director of communications at the GPC. “The Georgia Peanut Commission is celebrating National Peanut Month in March which also happens to be National Nutrition Month. Peanuts are a great source of protein and very nutritious. …
QLA Deadline Extended: GCC Encourages Participation in Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to extend the deadline for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) program provides Georgia cotton producers another month to apply. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC), encourages farmers to take advantage of this opportunity since the deadline is now April 9. “Last week the United States Department of Agriculture announced that …
Vilsack Discusses China Trade Deal
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently talked about China, the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship and its potential impacts to agricultural trade. When it comes to the Phase One trade deal signed last year, he said China is making good on some of its promises. While COVID-19 has impacted the amount of purchases China has made, Vilsack noted he’s upbeat …
‘Mr. Peanut’: Frank McGill Passes Away at Age 95
He was forever be known as “Mr. Peanut.” Frank McGill, the legendary University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut specialist who traveled to 21 countries during his career as a peanut consultant, including trips to Honduras, Suriname and Barbados to “jump start” local peanut production and help eliminate pellagra, a protein deficiency, passed away Wednesday night. He was 95. McGill’s accomplishments …
February Ag Economy Barometer Results
February’s Ag Economy Barometer reading of 165 changed little compared to January when the index stood at 167. Announced this week, producers continue to report strong current conditions on their farms as February’s Current Conditions Index value of 200 is near its all-time high. Continuing a trend that got underway last fall, however, the Index of Future Expectations drifted lower …