Warm February Accelerates Vidalia Onion Production

Web AdminGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion plants are nearing harvest time. That timeframe was accelerated this year thanks to warmer temperatures in February. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent, discussed the progression of this year’s crop. “Looking at the heat units, obviously, everybody knows that it was really warm in February and the heat unit model that …

Sen. Ossoff Working to Strengthen Georgia’s Fast-Growing Citrus Industry

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Ochlocknee, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is launching a push to strengthen Georgia’s citrus industry. Ossoff is meeting with farmers and growers from key agricultural industries this week, as Congress continues to discuss this year’s Farm Bill, legislation that includes key programs, such as agricultural research, crop insurance, commodity pricing and more. Ossoff heard directly from citrus growers in …

Plant Pecan Trees Early, Not Late

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Pecan trees planted in March are at disadvantage when compared to those planted in January and February. Growers should abstain from trying to plant new trees during this time of year, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. UGA research shows that trees trying to get established in early spring will struggle compared …

USDA, Sen. Ossoff, Rep. Bishop Announce Expansion of Local Foods in School Meals with Georgia

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt and Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean, along with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02), announced on Monday the signing of a cooperative agreement between USDA and Georgia for more than …

Exciting Time for Georgia Citrus Industry

Web AdminCitrus, Georgia

The young, burgeoning Georgia citrus industry has its sights set on a bright future. Even in the midst of a challenging winter season with two major freeze events, the industry continues its upward trend, believes Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. She discussed the state of the Georgia citrus industry during the association’s annual meeting on Feb. 28 …

Upcoming Vidalia Onion Field Day

Web AdminGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

Vidalia onion producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Vidalia Onion Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, April 6, at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC). The VOVRC is located at 8163 Hwy 178, Lyons, Georgia 30436. It will start with a sponsored lunch at noon, followed by a tour through the …

Diversification: Secret to Specialty Crop Success

Web AdminGeorgia, Peaches, Pumpkins, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Drew Echols attributes his success to not putting all of his eggs in one basket. The fifth-generation farmer who co-owns production on more than 600 acres in northeast Georgia is not afraid to adjust his farming practices to fit the current needs of specialty crop production. INCREASING ACRES, CROPS AND MARKETS“I looked at a lot of these …

CAES Research Keeps Georgia Agriculture on Leading Edge of Innovation

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By Jordan Powers The University of Georgia Office of Research recently announced a record-breaking fiscal year 2022 with more than a half billion dollars spent on research and development. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) was responsible for $112.8 million, an increase of $13.8 million from fiscal year 2021 in overall money spent on research. These expenditures contribute …

UGA to Host Spring Farm Stress Summit

Web AdminEvents, Georgia

The University of Georgia will be hosting a Spring Farm Stress Summit on Monday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mercer University-Macon Campus. The summit welcomes those interested to attend the Summit and learn from others about how to combat farm stress within Georgia’s rural communities. The keynote speaker will be Marshal Sewell, a strategic account …

Ossoff Helps Secure Federal Resources for Rail System in Georgia

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By Clint Thompson Railroads are an essential part of the agricultural industry. One U.S. Senator is doing his part in ensuring the railways remain a viable transportation option in one Georgia county. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (GA) is helping upgrade the rail line for Candler County. “I have worked to build support in the Senate and pass with both republican …