Wet Winter Could Delay Georgia Watermelon Plantings

By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers in South Georgia who were impacted by excessive rainfall in February and early March could see their planting window delayed, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Andre da Silva. Some farmers could be as much as three weeks behind in preparing to plant this year’s crop, especially due to heavy rains on …

UGA Extension Cotton Entomologist Encourages Growers to Minimize Risk for Whiteflies

By Clint Thompson A mild winter has Georgia cotton growers wary of potential whitefly problems this year. For producers, the 2020 winter feels eerily similar to 2017 when mild temperatures led to an unprecedented whitefly outbreak that impacted cotton and susceptible vegetable crops. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension cotton entomologist Phillip Roberts said UGA is encouraging farmers to do anything …

Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 03-14-2020

Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended March 14, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended-March 13, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 11,100 head compared to 9,496 last week and 10,492 …

Coronavirus Affects Georgia Legislative Session

It was a hectic week nine of the 2020 Georgia Legislative Session, as crossover day took place meaning various bills were discussed. But Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that a major decision was made late this afternoon, all due to the Coronavirus. To keep track of activities during the 2020 Legislative Session go to …

March 20 is Application Cutoff for CSP Renewals in Georgia

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 20. Local NRCS offices mailed contract renewal modification letters to all participants whose contracts expire this year, and the letters contain instructions on how to apply. For 2014-1 CSP contract holders, only those who extended their contracts for one year …

Beef Production Expected to Grow at a Slower Rate

By Clint Thompson Beef production is expected to grow at a slower rate, while demand should improve with the recent trade agreements being finalized, according to Amanda Smith, a public service associate in the University of Georgia Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Smith talked about the current state of the beef cattle market and the impact it’ll have on …

commentary

Everett Griner: “Agri-View” Radio Commentary Host, & “Granddaddy of Southeast AgNet” Passes at age 93

Southeast AgNet / AgNet Media is saddened to hear of the loss of long-time farm broadcaster and Agri-View commentary host Everett Griner, who died this morning (03.11.2020) in Moultrie, GA. Everett was truly one of a kind and entertained his radio audience like few others could, while sharing news and commentary for and about agricultural producers of the region.  Here’s …

Mother Nature Impacting Blueberry Production

By Clint Thompson Weather has already played a factor in this year’s blueberry crop production in the Southeast. Farmers need to be wary of potential disease pressure following last week’s excessive rainfall, according to Renee Holland, University of Georgia area Extension blueberry agent in Alma, Georgia. “Certain root-rot diseases, rain will actually help move pathogen spores around in the blueberry …

Georgia Cattle Producers Reminded about Block Grants Program

Last month, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced the Farm Recovery Block Grants program for farmers and forest landowners affected by Hurricane Michael. Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) Executive Vice President, Dale Sandlin, says online applications for the $347 million in block grant funds start on March 18. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties who suffered losses …

Georgia Peanut Commission Book a ‘Home Run’ for Industry

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission hit a home run with its latest attempt to educate the world about peanuts. According to Hannah Jones, Georgia Peanut Commission Project Coordinator in Research and Education, the commission has released the book, “A Home Run for Peanuts.” “This book will actually take young readers on adventures from a peanut farm to the …