News Stories - Page 308

Kudzu bugs may be native to Asia, but they’re a major problem in Georgia —particularly for soybean farmers.

Drier than normal conditions returned to most of Georgia in September, due primarily to the unusually quiet tropics this year. Farmers used the drier weather to catch up on field work after the state’s extremely wet summer. However, dry conditions hampered the maturation of some soybean pods and reduced production of Bermudagrass hay. Many crops continue to be a week or two behind in development due to the cool and wet conditions that occurred in the past few months.

Becoming a parent can mean being hyper aware of the dangers household items—like the stairs, electrical outlets and sharp table corners—can pose to a child. However, some the biggest threats to a child’s safety aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Annual flowers can benefit greatly from soil amendments. These plants only live for one season, so gardeners have a very short window of time to get them established to produce flowers.

On Oct. 1, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recognized its staff and faculty who have demonstrated excellence in the college’s teaching, research and Extension missions with the annual D.W. Brooks awards.

When it comes to feeding hay to animals, not all hay is the same. Farmers who grow hay, and those who buy hay for their livestock, rely on a grading system called the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) index to guide them on which hay to buy.

Two Georgia leaders are encouraging the exportation of agricultural products to foreign countries.

Chickens don't commute to work or balance checkbooks, but they do get stressed. Kristen Navara, an endocrinologist in the poultry science department of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is finding ways to help them relax.

Fewer Americans are being raised on farms than 50 years ago, but agricultural education teachers may be more important than ever. They are helping young people understand the complex food system that keeps American’s food supply safe and secure.