News Stories - Page 97

As chief communications officer for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cassie Ann Kiggen will develop strategic marketing and communications plans to elevate the college's national reputation. CAES News
Communications Leader
Cassie Ann Kiggen joined the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the role of chief communications officer on March 17.
A skipper butterfly at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. (photo by Olivia Smith/UGA) CAES News
Butterfly Abundance
Climate is likely the biggest driver of butterfly abundance change, according to a new study by University of Georgia entomologists.
In this study, researchers examined the effects of using planter downforce technology in cotton fields with varying soil textures in differing regions across south Georgia. CAES News
Controlling Force
Due to high consumer expectations, farmers and agricultural producers are constantly under pressure to deliver their products at higher yields for cheaper prices. This may seem like an impossible combination of demands, but University of Georgia Cooperative Extension researchers are developing precision agriculture methods to make the planting process more efficient for farmers while protecting profits.
The Tecomaria capensis 'Orange' is only one of dozens of varieties of plants available at the UGA Trial Gardens online plant sale. CAES News
Spring Plants
With the weather warming and spring buds popping, eager gardeners can take advantage of three spring plant sales being held by the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia, the UGA Horticulture Club and UGArden, all part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Camden County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent Jessica Warren (pictured) worked with Martin Wunderly, area water agent for UGA Extension’s Northeast District, to develop the Georgia Green Landscape Stewards curriculum. CAES News
Green Landscapes
For some residents, a pristinely manicured lawn free of weeds and undisturbed by insects is the ultimate goal. However, a new program from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension encourages creating a more natural landscape that reduces chemical use and incorporates native plants to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.
UGA Animal and Dairy scientist Sha Tao researches heat stress and its effects on dairy cattle physiology. As principal investigator on this project, he directed the experiment to understand cellular reactions in real-world circumstances for dairy cattle. CAES News
Dairy Research
With increasing global temperatures, dairy cattle face heat stress more frequently throughout the year than in the past. Thanks to cooling technology, dairy cattle can enjoy a better quality of life, but farmers and consumers may wonder if cattle comfort results in more milk.
From left, Josh Fuder, Ray Covington and Stephen Mihm have been UGA’s driving forces behind the creation of the Heritage Apple Orchard. (Photo by Mike Terrazas) CAES News
Heirloom Varieties
The names tick off like racehorses or colors from some fancy catalog: Carolina Red June, Duchess of Oldenburg, Hewe’s Crab and Rabun Bald, Limbertwig, Nickajack, Parks’ Pippin and many more. But these aren’t paint chips — they’re apples, hundreds of varieties that thrived in orchards across North Georgia a century ago, before an evolving apple industry swept them off shelves and tables, never to return.
AmeriCorps engages 270,000 Americans each year in sustained, results-driven service. CAES News
4-H and AmeriCorps
From March 7 through March 13, Georgia 4-H joins thousands of 4-H Americans across the country to celebrate the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members during AmeriCorps Week. AmeriCorps engages 270,000 Americans each year in sustained, results-driven service. AmeriCorps Week is a time to celebrate the impact of AmeriCorps programs and thank members for their service.
Frank McGill was born on a family farm in Tift County, Georgia, on Dec. 16, 1925, in the area where he spent most of his working career and retirement. In his autobiography, he joked, "It's obvious I didn't get very far in life!" CAES News
Frank McGill dies
J. Frank McGill, affectionally known throughout the Georgia agricultural community as “Mr. Peanut,” passed away surrounded by family on March 3 at age 95 in Tifton, Georgia.