News Stories - Page 224

Farming today isn't what it used to be. Today, new technology, like four-wheelers, various all-terrain vehicles and hydraulic farming equipment, has alleviated some of the backaches. They have also taken a lot of physical activity out of the daily tasks at hand, causing even country folk to be a little less active. CAES News
Farm Exercise
If you grew up on a farm or currently live on a farm, you might not think of adding additional exercise to your routine, as many farm chores require physical activity. Whether you have a small farm, large farm or just a few acres, try to consciously change how you carry out some of your routine tasks in an effort to remain or get physically fit. Your health will improve over time as a result.
Pecans on the ground in an orchard on the University of Georgia Tifton campus. CAES News
Pecan Workshop
In response to a growing number of pecan acreage across Georgia, the University of Georgia will be hosting a pecan production workshop for farmers just getting into the business. UGA Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells wants to help growers get all of the information they need at the workshop, to be held Monday, April 11.
Southern corn rust appeared at least two weeks early in 2014 (5 June) than it did in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013. Appearing earlier means that this disease will likely be more problematic than in recent years. Corn that is approaching (or has passed) the tassel growth stage is worth protecting if the yield potential is there, according to UGA Extension agent Shane Curry. CAES News
El Nino 2016
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait cautions Georgia corn farmers about the El Nino weather pattern that will likely interfere with planting this March. A delay would increase the likelihood of diseases too, so Kemerait advises growers to plant resistant varieties and be ready to apply fungicides earlier than normal.
Don Shurley, a cotton economist with the UGA Tifton Campus, talks about managing risk during a workshop on Feb. 25, 2016. CAES News
Farm Workshop
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the UGA Small Business Development Center came together on Thursday to offer a new business workshop for farmers in south Georgia. The conference provided a glimpse into the various components of a successful farming operation, including sessions on forecasting cash flow and getting your food product to the market.
A team of food industry experts and grocery buyers selected 33 products to compete in the final round of the University of Georgia's 2016 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. A record-breaking 135 products were entered into the contest this year in 11 categories. CAES News
Flavor of Georgia 2016
Judges have selected 33 products to compete in the final round of the University of Georgia's 2016 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest March 14-15 at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot in Atlanta.
Arachis ipaensis, left, and Arachis duranensis, right, are the two species of wild peanut that crossed to provide the genetic blueprint for today's modern peanut varieties. CAES News
Peanut Genome
Researchers at the University of Georgia, working with the International Peanut Genome Initiative, have discovered that a wild plant from Bolivia is a "living relic" of the prehistoric origins of the cultivated peanut species.
Robert Beckstead, poultry science associate professor, discusses embryo development with students in his Chickenology class. Beckstead was one of three exemplary UGA instructors to receive a Richard B. Russell Award this year. CAES News
Robert Beckstead
Robert Beckstead, an associate professor of poultry science in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has received a University of Georgia Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching — one of the highest honors given at the university.
Sugarcane aphids at various stages of development. CAES News
Sugarcane Aphids
Sugarcane aphids have turned their back on their namesake and become a major pest for Georgia’s grain sorghum growers. The pest began infesting fields in the state two years ago and, last year, devastated farmers who chose not to apply spray controls, said University of Georgia small grains entomologist David Buntin.
Samples of Blanc du Bois wine grapes from Trillium Vineyards. CAES News
Georgia Wine
Georgia wines may not have the same cachet as California chardonnays or French Burgundies, but they’re earning new accolades each year thanks to a community of dedicated grape growers and little help from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.