Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum Scheduled for Nov. 14-15

Jim Rogers Georgia, Labor

By Clint Thompson Georgia agriculture (Ag) employers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Nov. 14-15, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The two-day event attracts regulators and experts affiliated with the labor industry. The forum’s format enables employers, human resource managers and administrators to collaborate in securing a sustainable …

Update: Yellow-Legged Hornet Nest Eradicated

Clint Thompson Georgia

By Clint Thompson Only a couple of weeks after the yellow-legged hornet was sighted in Georgia, a nest has been safely eradicated, says Tyler Harper, Georgia Ag Commissioner. Harper announced the development during a news conference on Friday morning and called it a huge win for Georgia agriculture. “We are here today to announce that within two weeks of initial …

Warm Temps, Dry Conditions Help Whitefly Numbers Increase

Jim Rogers Georgia

By Clint Thompson The inevitable has finally happened in the Southeast; whitefly populations are on the rise. It was bound to happen considering the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions being experienced across the region. “I think it’s still probably localized, but yeah, there are some fields, if you start getting squash coming up, it just pulls them in like …

Algal Stem Blotch Observed on Georgia Blueberry

Jim Rogers Blueberries, Georgia

Various instances of algal stem blotch on blueberry have been reported in Georgia in recent days, according to the University of Georgia Blueberry Blog. Growers should be aware that since the disease is caused by an alga rather than a fungus, it is highly unlikely that fungicides will be an effective management option. University of Florida recommendations suggest that sprays …

Georgia’s Pecan Crop Estimate Remains a Question Mark

Jim Rogers Georgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Estimating this year’s pecan crop in Georgia is easier said than done. That’s why Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, steers clear when making such predictions. Various factors can impact the crop between now and harvest time. It is compounded by the expected increase in the number of young trees coming online this year. “Giving …

Yellow-Legged Hornet a Threat to Agriculture

Jim Rogers Georgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson The presence of the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia has specialty crop producers in the Southeast on high alert. Their presence is a threat to the region’s honey bee population and subsequent crops that rely on honey bees for pollination, explains Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “Similar to what people were calling the murder …

GFVGA Advises Growers to Be Prepared for New Heat Stress Regulations

Jim Rogers Georgia

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is encouraging its growers to be prepared for new heat regulations administered by the Biden Administration and OSHA. “OSHA has not yet released complete heat standards, but now is the time to get prepared,” GFVGA said in an email to its members. Producers can download the heat stress awareness poster and hang …

Georgia Department of Agriculture Makes Appointments to the Agriculture Commodity Commissions

Jim Rogers Georgia

Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced appointments to 13 of Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions, including for several specialty crops. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the farmer-funded and self-help programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support that research, education, and promotion of each commodity. “As a 7th generation farmer, I know firsthand …