By Clint Thompson Counties located on the east side of I-75 in Georgia are in a much dire situation with their cotton fields compared to those on the west side, following Hurricane Debby and its excessive rainfall this week. Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist, highlighted the situation facing cotton growers in the southeast part of the …
By Clint Thompson Deer’s threat to Georgia’s cotton crop is an annual concern for the state’s producers. It’s now a top research priority for Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist. He talked about deer management in cotton at this year’s Georgia Cotton Commission mid-year meeting in July. “Last year at this meeting, I started to learn about …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s cotton producers should be on high alert for stinkbug pressure. Infestations could wreak havoc on the state’s crop. Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension cotton entomologist, cautioned growers at the recent Georgia Cotton Commission meeting about the insect’s lingering presence in cotton fields. “As we enter bloom, stinkbugs and other boll-feeding bugs become a primary …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peanut crop has experienced a “roller coaster” of a ride during the first couple of months of production. The up-and-down weather trends have challenged production. But the crop still has potential, says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. It just needs more consistent rainfall. “Things look good right this minute, but we need the …
By Clint Thompson Farm bill discussions continue and so does the agriculture community’s insistence that a new bill be finalized this year. That was the mindset shared by Gary Adams, president and chief executive officer of the National Cotton Council (NCC). He spoke at the Georgia Cotton Commission’s mid-year meeting last week in Statesboro and emphasized that a farm bill …
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 …
