Agricultural News

August 15, 2026

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Are Smaller Breeds More Profitable?

https://www.agproud.com/articles/63686-are-smaller-breeds-more-profitable?utm_source=Progressive+Cattle+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efc14fae96-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_08_04_06_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_598e9dca79-efc14fae96-564335056

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UGA Scientists Need Your Help to Stop an Invasive Hornet

UGA scientists need your help to stop an invasive hornet

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report UPDATE

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, August 10, 2026

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/sites/default/files/1949/2026-08-10/1343735/ams_1949_00349.pdf

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Farm Help Needed

Farm help for one to two days a week primarily for to 6 hours a day for the rest of the summer.  Farm in Temple Georgia.

Sam Austin

Austin’s Farm

404-552-5365

sam40austin@gmail.com

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Horse Hay

Looking for approximately 80 to 100 horse quality square bales (preferably bermuda, fescue, or any mix that horses enjoy and no hard stemmy hay, please) to feed my horses, goats, and donkey (all rescues!) from October through March/April – I start getting the hay from summer onwards and generally pick up the last lot to stack in the barn by October or November. (Usually 20 to 30 square bales at a time.)

Katy Futrelle 

770-713-3904

(Please leave a voicemail or send me a text as sometimes if I’m at work I may not be able to answer.)

Temple, GA

Email:  katyfutrelle@gmail.com

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Mixed Blue Heeler Puppies

2 available aged 8 Months to 1 Year

Need to be rehomed.

Contact Clarence Taylor by email at thetaylorlawgroup@gmail.com

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Guardian Dogs Looking For Work

Roscoe and Nora, Antonian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees Mix looking for a working farm. They are two year old siblings and experienced guardian dogs. Trained to electric fences. Interact excellent with goats and interreact well with sheep. They work as a team and are excellent guardians. Male and Female spayed and neutered and up to date with vaccinations. Stay within their perimeter well.  Farm is currently selling sheep and goat herds so would like to rehome to a working farm. Please contact Alan Barnes at 470-380-4894.

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Swiney Farms is excited to offer our newest litter of 13 Great Pyrenees puppies!

Born June 10th! 

We have 6 females left and 1 male 

These puppies are being raised on a working farm surrounded by goats, chickens, rabbits, ponies, and everyday farm

SMALL REHOME FEE

They’re exposed to livestock, people, and the sights and sounds of farm life to help them grow into confident, well-adjusted guardians and companions.

✔ Farm raised
✔ Healthy parents with excellent temperaments
✔ Great for livestock protection or family homes

Message us for more information, photos, or to reserve your puppy.
Email, Call or text today!

404-625-1494

Swineyfarm@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8am -11am October tom March at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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The Community Market of Villa Rica

Mondays April – August

4-7 pm

The Villa Rica First United Methodist Church

1789 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy, Villa Rica, GA 30180 (beside the VPlex on 61)

*We Accept & Double EBT * Free Children’s Activity Weekly * Seeking Local Growers!

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Pictured Above: Carroll County Food Preservation Workshops with Victoria Presnal. 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. Blueberry Jam May 19. Green Beans Pressure Canning June 17. Salsas July 7. Pickles, Dilly beans, pickled okra, cucumber pickles August 6. Pepper Jelly September 15. Apple Preserves October 7. $25 per class. Call to reserve your spot. 770-836-8546. All classes are 4:00-6:00PM. 

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Pictured Above: Pictured Above: Pollinator Census Live Event Friday August 21 at 9AM to 11AM. Join us in the Count! Carroll County Ag Center 900 Newnan Road at the Buffalo Creek Garden. Live reading event featuring the Great Pollinator Count written by Susan Edwards Richmond. Inspired by the Great Southeast Pollinator Census! Fun for the Whole Family! Pollinator Crafts- sensory bins- pollinator passport activity. Visit the Bookmobile! Check out books with your own library card on insects, pollinators, nature, and plants. West Georgia Regional Library System. Honey Tasting- Sample local honey varieties. Plant your own pollinator plants! A hands on station to plant your own pollinator seeds to benefit the pollinators! Participate in the: Great Southeast Pollinator Census August 21 and 22, 2026.

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Carroll County Young Farmer Meeting

USDA Regenerative Programs

Tuesday, September 1 @ 6:00 PM

Learn about USDA programs designed to help farmers improve soil health, grazing management, water quality, and overall farm resilience.

We will discuss EQIP, CSP, the USDA Regenerative Pilot Program, and other technical and financial assistance opportunities available to farmers.

Location:

Carroll County Agricultural Center

900 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

Program Information & Registration:

https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1/regen

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Pictured Above: You’re invited to attend Carroll EMC’s Agribusiness Seminar. Featuring Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Harlan Proveaux, Director and Inspector General. Thursday, September 3 at the Robert D Tsinger Community Center 155 N. HWY 113, Carrollton GA. From 6-8PM Dinner will be provided. Scan QR Code (Bottom Right Corner) to RSVP by August 27 Use the Password CEMC.

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Pictured Above: Buffalo Creek Fall Festival September 12, 2026 from 9AM-4PM. Free Admission. Located at the Carroll County Ag Center at 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA. Over 100 Arts and Crafts vendors. Local Food Trucks. Raffle Baskets. 4-H Children Activities. Plant Sales from Master Gardeners and Local Nurseries.

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Small Ruminant Field Day

Presented by Fulton County Extension

Join us for a hands-on field day designed for current and prospective sheep and goat producers.

September 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM –3:00 PM

Share the Farm | 4269 Stonewall Tell Road, Atlanta, GA 30349

Registration: $45 — lunch and materials included

Gain practical knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and get answers to your questions about managing a small ruminant operation.

Topics include:

•           Nutrition & Pasture Basics

•           Parasite Management & Fecal Egg Counts

•           FSA/NRCS Resources

•           Handling & Basic Husbandry

Whether you currently raise sheep or goats or are considering getting started, this field day is a great opportunity to build your knowledge and connect with other producers.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and get hands-on!

Registration

The cost is $45 per person and everyone who registers will receive lunch and program materials.

Space is limited, so register today!

Use the register click below or contact Norlethia Harris (norlethia.harris@uga.edu) for registration information.

Bring your questions and leave with practical tools you can use on your farm.

Want More Information About the Event?

Contact:

Norlethia Harris

norlethia.harris@uga.edu

404-613-4920

Registration: https://tinyurl.com/smallruminant2026

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Pictured Above: In My Homesteading Era: Meat Rabbits. Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00PM. Located at 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. $25 per class or $75 for four classes bundled. Please call 770-836-8546 to Register. All classes are at 6PM Dinner is provided. Join us for a practical class on raising New Zealand Rabbits! Learn how to raise healthy kits from birth to harvest, expected harvest weights and growth timelines, proper housing and daily care, effective breeding practices, and so much more! Spots still available!

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SAVE THE DATE

West GA Chapter of the Native Plant Society Plant Sale – September 19

Beef Fest – October 17

Sunbelt Expo – October 20-22

Farm to City Harvest Dinner – October 27

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The Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, August 20 at 6:30 PM at the Carroll County Ag Center. Program is about using a no till drill with guest speakers from the Rolling Hills RC & D Council. To reserve a seat for the program and a steak dinner, RSVP at 770-836-8546 by August 18.

Forage Insect Updates:

There are a couple forage insect pests we need to keep our eyes out for: 

·                     Bermudagrass stem maggot. The BSM is starting to wake up. Here is the best resource to follow until our Extension bulletin is updated: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cft2.20269

·                     Pasture mealybug. There have been no reports of the pasture mealybug yet in Georgia. The closest confirmed reports are in south/central FL. Control options are limited and it looks like biosecurity may be the best option. This is the best resource available on this pest: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/pasture-mealybug/

o        Map for tracking: https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/uscounty.cfm?sub=110977

·                     Fall armyworm. There have been no reports of the FAW yet but it’s always a good day to scout! Got questions on the FAW? Check out this bulletin: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1583/fall-armyworm-management-in-pastures-and-hayfields/

Summary of all drought related resources for forage management:

While we are appreciative of the recent rains, this drought is far from over. Here is a summary of the best resources we have available right now for managing forages during a drought and the answers to FAQs.

What Forage Drought Resources Are Available?

How to report drought in your county

The best place for agents and producers to report local conditions is the Condition Monitoring Reports (CMOR), described at https://www.drought.gov/data-maps-tools/condition-monitoring-observer-reports-drought-cmor-drought.

New and Updated Forage Extension Resources

*New* Forage Testing Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1372/forage-testing-using-near-infrared-spectroscopy/

*Updated* FAQ About Nitrates in Grazed and Harvested Forages: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C915/nitrate-toxicity-in-animals/

*Updated*  Forage Use and Grazing Herd Management During a Drought: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C914/forage-use-and-grazing-herd-management-during-a-drought/

*New* Identifying Toxic Weeds: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1597/identifying-toxic-weeds-in-georgia-pastures-hayfields/

*New* Smutgrass Control: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1367/smutgrass-control-in-pastures-and-hayfields/

Several other bulletins and circulars are currently being revised. The newest ones will appear here: https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/resources/uga-caes-field-report.html

Our Georgia Forage website renovation is now complete: https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/

Georgia Forages on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL6DgfaB8V2DRnGxzEBxU3w

USDA Drought Guide for Forages: https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80488.pdf

Georgia Forage Conference 

Our Georgia Forage Team is hosting our first true standalone forage conference in Tifton, GA on 9/17/26 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The theme is Smart Inputs, Strong Systems: Building Resilient Forage Operations. Registration will open August 1st. Watch the Georgia Forage Facebook Page for more details in the coming months. 

GFGC Pasture Walks

The Georgia Forage and Grassland Council is hosting a series of pasture walks throughout 2026. Please visit their website for more information: https://rollinghillsrcd.net/georgia-forage-and-grassland-council-eventspage

Southeastern Hay Contest – update on 2026 Contest

We are rapidly approaching the deadline for the 2026 competition. All samples must be POSTMARKED by 9/1/2026. 

We had a record number of entries last year with 540 entries overall and a record 422 entries from Georgia alone. The winners and press release are here: https://site.caes.uga.edu/sehaycontest/past-results/

For more information, please visit: www.sehaycontest.com     

We are looking for our next 4-H Program Assistant to join our UGA Extension team.  Please feel free to share this job announcement with anyone who may be interested in working with youth in Carroll County.

I am looking for someone who has a fire ant problem. I am trying to make an Hill Art. The wet is done as you pour Hot melting aluminum into the ant hill. All of the tunnels are filled with aluminum. You dig it up and Walla natures art is cast in aluminum. Here is a picture of one we just did with Argentine ants. If you know someone that has an issue with fire ants, you can give them my phone number or give me theirs, and I will contact them.

Thank you very much,

Jay Peck

404-429-3336

Pictured Above: Carroll County Mother’s Day Plant Sale.  Bring your cart or wagon to our annual plant sale. We have hundreds of natives, hanging baskets, gifts, perennials/annuals, fruits, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. All at lower affordable prices! Saturday, May 9, 2026. 9AM to 1PM. Located at 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA 30117. 

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Pictured Above: In My Homesteading Era: So You Think You Want Livestock? Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00PM. Location 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. $25 per class or $225 for all bundled. Please call 770-836-8546 to Register. All classes are at 6:00PM. Dinner is Provided. 

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Pictured Above: In My Homesteading Era. Join us for our popular homesteading series! Location 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. $25 per class or $225 for all bundled. Please call 770-836-8546 to register. All classes are at 6:00PM. Gardening 101 March 10. Sourdough April 2. So You Think You Want Livestock? On May 12. Food Preservation June 23. Mastering Mending July 14. Beginner Cheese-Making August 10. Meat Rabbits September 29. Beyond the Feast October 13. Goat Milk Soap Making November 2. Green-Cleaning December 8. 

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2026 New Grape Growers Symposium

June 6, 2026

at UGA Griffin Campus

Whether you are a new grape grower, an experienced grower, or someone tentatively interested, join us for our New Grape Growers Symposium! This event is perfectly tailored for those new to the industry who want to learn as much as possible to be as successful as possible in the Georgia wine industry. It also offers refreshers and new opportunities for the veteran grower. We have great speakers, Q&A sessions, time with key vendors, and a wine social event to make the day fun and informational. Register at the link:  https://georgiawineproducers.org/event-6649563

Topics are as follows:

Building a Business Plan

Starting Your First Vineyard

Selecting the Right Grape Varieties

Vineyard Design and Trellising

Managing Young Vineyards

Pest and Disease Management

Winemaking Basics for Growers

Sustainable Vineyard Practices

Vineyard Economics and Profitability

Direct-to- Consumer Sales Strategies

Wine Tourism and Agritourism

Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., and the symposium begins at 8:45 a.m. on June 6, 2026, in the Student Learning Center, Building 4400, Room 104, at the UGA-Griffin campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA. 30223  

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Pictured Above: Carroll County Food Preservation Workshops with Victoria Presnal. 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. Blueberry Jam May 19. Green Beans Pressure Canning June 17. Salsas July 7. Pickles, Dilly beans, pickled okra, cucumber pickles August 6. Pepper Jelly September 15. Apple Preserves October 7. $25 per class. Call to reserve your spot. 770-836-8546. All classes are 4:00-6:00PM. 

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FREE thanks to our sponsors! Please RSVP so we can plan for the meal we will be providing.

One Pesticide Recertification credit will also be offered to those with a current pesticide license.

Join us at Vinny and Angela Spitzer’s Farm in Bowdon.

The Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM at the Carroll County Ag Center. Program is strengthening agriculture and conservation in West Georgia with guest speakers from the USDA FSA and NRCS office. To reserve a seat for the program and a steak dinner, RSVP at 770-836-8546 by April 14.

30 Finalists Advance in 2026 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest

30 finalists advance in 2026 Flavor of Georgia food product contest

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Iran War Has U.S. Farmers Worried About the Cost and Availability of Fertilizer

Iran War Has U.S. Farmers Worried About the Cost and Availability of Fertilizer

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FDA Approves Wound Spray for Treatment of NWS

FDA Approves Wound Spray for Treatment of NWS

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Farm Equipment Prices Continue to Rise

https://southernagtoday.org/2026/03/23/farm-equipment-prices-continue-to-rise

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Before Doing Business Together

https://southernagtoday.org/2026/03/16/before-doing-business-together

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/sites/default/files/1949/2026-03-23/1312746/ams_1949_00330.pdf

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FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Free Logs

We have about 150 logs about 6-12 foot long available for free. It’s hard oak and cherry oak trees, no pine.   We are located in Villa Rica GA. There is access for large trucks 

Contact: Swiney Farm at swineyfarm@gmail.com

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Pictured Above: Farm Network Recruitment. Soil Health Assessment in Resilient Ecosystems. Farmers or ranchers are welcome to participate, whether you have row crops, forages, vegetables, fruits, livestock, agroforestry, etc. To qualify, you must sell at least $1000 or more of agricultural product annually. Participation Requirements. Complete a detailed questionnaire about 2024 farm practices, yields, and inputs (your time: estimated 1-2 hours). Sample your best field in spring 2026 and send to our partner testing lab. Free testing kit, pre-paid mailer, and instructions will be sent to participants after completion of survey (your time: estimated 1 hour). All participation remains strictly confidential. Survey will close when maximum participation has been reached. Benefits of joining the network: Visa gift card for your time and expertise. Free soil testing report. Contribute to improving agricultural practices. For more information Kim Cassida Michigan State University Email:cassida@msu.edu. To participate, follow the QR code or go to the link below to start your survey. QR Code in bottom right corner. Link: http:..tinyurl.com/RCAPSouth

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Pictured Above: Spring Has Sprung Join the Local Fun in Carroll County. Asparagus is plentiful in the early spring. Enjoy spring bulbs in bloom. Visit a pollinator garden at Buffalo Creek Demo Garden. Explore the local Cotton Mill Farmers Market. Go strawberry picking this spring and enjoy the bounty. Go bird watching on the Carrollton Greenbelt. Check out several books from the Neva Lomason Library. Hit the trail at the walking path located at Oak Mountain Pavilion. Built a birdhouse and enjoy your visitors. Leafy greens are in abundance throughout spring. Where to buy: Winter Farmers Markets, Order directly from farms, CSA Farm Shares, Co-op and Local food retailers. Download our Farm and Food 2025 Resource Guide. QR Code provided in bottom right corner. 

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Buffalo Creek Fall Festival. Vendors Wanted. Applications are open for the 6th annual Buffalo Creek Fall Festival. Reserve your spot now for the premiere fall festival in North West Georgia. Spaces are 10 x 10 indoor/outdoor covered. Please use the QR Code for pricing and Vendor Application. For more information email BCFF900@gmail.com or call 770-836-8546.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

9am -11am October tom March at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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The Community Market of Villa Rica

Mondays April – August

The Villa Rica First United Methodist Church

1789 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy, Villa Rica, GA 30180 (beside the VPlex on 61)

*We Accept & Double EBT * Free Children’s Activity Weekly * Seeking Local Growers!

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Pictured Above: In My Homesteading Era. Join us for our popular homesteading series! Location 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. $25 per class or $225 for all bundled. Please call 770-836-8546 to register. All classes are at 6:00PM. Gardening 101 March 10. Sourdough April 2. So You Think You Want Livestock? On May 12. Food Preservation June 23. Mastering Mending July 14. Beginner Cheese-Making August 10. Meat Rabbits September 29. Beyond the Feast October 13. Goat Milk Soap Making November 2. Green-Cleaning December 8. 

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West Georgia Beekeepers Association

WGBA is having a hands-on learning experience at Foran Farms Apiary on Saturday, April 11, 2026 (weather permitting). 

This is the second part of the Introduction to Beekeeping Adult Short course program that was held in February. 

(This was included in the fee for the Introduction to Beekeeping Adult Short Course participants)

We have had a few requests from current members and non-members expressing interest in attending the hands-on learning experience. 

Pricing and Payment options:

Current members (2026 dues paid) – $20.00

Non-members – $50.00 – (this fee will provide membership through the end of the year.)

口Check/Money Order (made payable to: West Georgia Beekeepers Association)

口Zelle: treasurerwgba@gmail.com (put your name and “hands-on” in the memo)

口Cash (exact change please)

It is important that you wear protective clothing, at a minimum (veil, long sleeves, long pants).

You will be required to sign a hold harmless agreement on the day of the event. A copy is attached for your review.

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Location: Foran Farms – 6601 Cedar Mountain Rd, Douglasville, GA 30134

In the event of inclement weather, the date will be postponed to the 18th. 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wjyAGRP0D_7b6hM4Jyh5MBz55jmAeZ62ZR5yAhBPc8g

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Pictured Above: Georgia Forage and Grassland Council. April 14, 2026 9AM-12:30PM. Oakhurst Farm Steve and Melanee Morgan. Farm Field Day and Pasture Walk: Novel Endophyte Forage Establishment and Management. Register by April 10, 2026. Free Registration and Lunch Provided. QR Code provided in bottom left corner. To Register Scan QR code above, click on link to register or call 678-614-9484. Topics: Toxic endophyte fescue and hard health. Conversion to novel endophyte. Weed control including foxtail. Commercial and Private Pesticide Applicator Credits Provided. 19566 GA Highway 219 West Point, GA 31833

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 Pictured Above: Carroll County Master Gardeners Association. Art in the Garden April 18, 11AM-3PM located at the Carroll County Ag Center 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton GA 30117.  “Art in the Garden”: a celebration of creativity.  Attendees are invited to explore the selections of the diverse talents of 20 plus local artisans to browse and purchase.  Enjoy a stroll through the demonstration garden while viewing the stunning artwork from local school stents that will also be on display.  Free event for the public.  Highlights of the day: Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions.  Concessions with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks, Butter’dudders’s famous Blue Moo ice cream truck will be with us.  West Georgia Native Plant Society plant sale at the Ag Center from 9 am to noon.  Call 770-836-8546.

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Pictured Above: In My Homesteading Era: So You Think You Want Livestock? Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00PM. Location 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. $25 per class or $225 for all bundled. Please call 770-836-8546 to Register. All classes are at 6:00PM. Dinner is Provided. 

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Pictured Above: Carroll County Food Preservation Workshops with Victoria Presnal. 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. Blueberry Jam May 19. Green Beans Pressure Canning June 17. Salsas July 7. Pickles, Dilly beans, pickled okra, cucumber pickles August 6. Pepper Jelly September 15. Apple Preserves October 7. $25 per class. Call to reserve your spot. 770-836-8546. All classes are 4:00-6:00PM. 

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Pictured Above Carroll County Agricultural Education Center. Upcoming Events. AGDA Dairy Goat Show April 11, 8AM-6PM. Native Plant Sale April 18, 9AM-12PM. Art in the Garden April 18, 11AM-3PM. Kiko Goat Showcase April 24-25. State top Hand Contest May 2. Mother’s Day Plant Sale May 9, 9AM-12PM. Tara Afghan Hound Dog Show May 20 and 30. West Georgia Rabbit Show June 13. Canine Carnival June 20. 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA 30117. 770-836-8546. 

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Pictured Above: Upcoming Events Spring 2026. 4-H: Garden Club 4PM, April 13 and May 11. Horse Club April 13 and May 11. Top Hand Blub, 5:45PM, April 13 and May 11. 4-H Awards and Volunteer Dinner April 26. Parent Summer Camp Meeting May 18 at 5:30PM. Camp Dirty Knees June 2-4 Registration open April 1. Ag and Natural Resources: Art in the Garden April 18, 11-3PM. Mothers Day Plant Sale May 9, 9AM-12PM. Homesteading class – So You Think You Want Livestock May 12 6PM. Family and Consumer Science Homesteading Class Sourdough April 2, 6PM. ServSafe Manager Course April 22, 9AM. Food Preservation Blueberry Jam Class May 19, 5:30PM. 

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We are excited to share with you our plans to develop our 8th edition of the Farm and Food Resource Guide. More and more consumers are looking to find and purchase locally grown food and products. A farm guide is one tool that farmers can use to help market their farm business.

We are now looking for farmers in Carroll, Haralson, Heard and Paulding Counties who are interested in promoting their farm and products. This guide will be geared towards any farmer who wants to promote what they are growing and selling. Products can include fruits, vegetables, meats, hay, breeding stock, cheese, corn maze, farm tours, etc. If you want the customer to find you then I encourage you to be included in the farm guide.

Check out the 2025 Farm and Food Resource Guide here: https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/carroll/agriculture-and-natural-resources.html

New Farm Listings – If you would like to be included in the FREE guide, please complete the attached questionnaire.

Farms who were in the 2025 Guide – If you were in the 2025 guide and would like to continue, please confirm with us to keep you in the guide and let us know if you have any changes. Please email us your changes by April 24.

If you were in the 2025 guide and do NOT want to be in the 2026 edition, please us know. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you no longer want to be included.

Pictures – If you have any farm related pictures you would like to share that we can use in the guide, please send them as a jpg file.

The information you provide on the questionnaire will be included in the guide, which will be distributed at local farmers’ markets, restaurants, Chamber of Commerce, UGA Extension County offices, and Tanner Health System.

If you would like to be included in the free guide, please complete the attached questionnaire and return to me by April 24, 2026.

Many thanks to Get Healthy, Live Well and Tanner Health System for their continued support and commitment to agriculture who design and print the copies of the farm guide at no cost to UGA Extension or the farmers included.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 770-836-8546 or at pjburke@uga.edu or Alex Simsick Alexandria.Simsick@uga.edu.

Paula

If anyone is looking for tree mulch, give TC a call at 423-506-9084.  His tree company has loads of mulch available

National opportunity for aspiring and beginning farmers. FarmPath, a program of Farm Foundation, is a free, three-year program designed to help participants build viable farm businesses through business education, mentorship, and access to a national network.

The program is seeking 300 first year participants and the window for applications closes March 23, 2026.

If you think farming might be in your future or know someone looking to take their next step, you can learn more and apply at FarmPath.org. Please review the attached flyer for more information.

2026SummitAgenda.pdf

Register and public Course Details

More Bloom for Your Buck: How to get the Most Out of Your Cut Flowers

https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/get-the-most-out-of-your-cut-flowers

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Is It Lights Out for the Notorious Spotted Lanternfly?

https://www.growingproduce.com/crop-protection/insect-control/is-it-lights-out-for-the-notorious-spotted-lanternfly/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews02112026&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Regional Cattle Price Spreads and Patterns

https://southernagtoday.org/2026/02/17/regional-cattle-price-spreads-and-patterns

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Getting the Most Out of Growing Tomatoes in High Tunnels

https://www.growingproduce.com/vegetables/tomatoes/getting-the-most-out-of-growing-tomatoes-in-high-tunnels/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=avgenews02192026&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, February 16,2026

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/sites/default/files/1949/2026-02-16/1304807/ams_1949_00325.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

9am -11am October tom March at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

***

 Pictured Above: Carroll County Master Gardeners Association. Art in the Garden April 18, 11AM-3PM located at the Carroll County Ag Center 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton GA 30117. Vendors Needed. “Art in the Garden” is a yearly event organized by the Carroll County Master Gardeners (CCMG). This delightful occasion highlights the creations of local artisans and features artwork from students throughout Carroll County. Visitors are invited to freely explore the various offerings from local art and craft vendors while wandering through our Demonstration Garden. Vendor Requirements- All goods must be self-made, not imported or manufactured, Booths are $20 each, register by April 16th, No refunds after 4/10/2026, limited to 24 vendor spaces.

Highlights of the day: Local Native Plant Sale from 9AM to 12PM. Concessions with hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and drinks. CCMG Volunteers onsite to answer questions. Amazing artwork to enjoy and purchase.

Link included to apply, bottom right corner. Call 770-836-8546. Email contact e.demarce.ccmg@gmail.com carrollcountymastergardeners.com/events/art-in-the-garden

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Buffalo Creek Fall Festival. Vendors Wanted. Applications are open for the 6th annual Buffalo Creek Fall Festival. Reserve your spot now for the premiere fall festival in North West Georgia. Spaces are 10 x 10 indoor/outdoor covered. Please use the QR Code for pricing and Vendor Application. For more information email BCFF900@gmail.com or call 770-836-8546.

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Pictured above: Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship Contest. Powered by UGA Beef Team and GCA. County contest March 188. 8^th through 12^th grade. Teams of 3 invited to participate. Each team will draw 3 calves and work them in head catch. Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3^rd place Teams. Competition starts at 3:00PM at the Carroll County Ag Center on 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton. Dinner and awards held at Cattlemen’s meeting on March 19 at 6:30PM. The regional event will be April 15 held at 1481 Clem Lowell Road, Carrollton. Register your team for County Contest by March 9.

Contact Paula Burke Carroll County Cattlemen’s Secretary and UGA Extension Ag Agent email pjburke@uga.edu. 

***

Pictured above: We are excited to host a roping clinic immediately following our county top hand competition, open to youth ages 7-18. From 6:30PM to 8:00PM. It is a great introductory clinic for those interested in junior rodeo. Participants are also encouraged to come early starting at 3:00PM to learn more about our tophand stockmanship and stewardship contest.

Carroll County Ag Center located at 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. On March 18, 2026. 

***

Pictured Above: Carroll and Paulding County Extension Journeyman Farmer Program Developing the Next Generation of Sustainable Farmers in Georgia. To register by mail: Pease send this form along with a check made payable to Carroll County Extension 4-H. Mail to: Carroll County Extension, Attn: JFCP 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA 30117. Fill out Form: First name. Last name. Address. City. State. County. Best Contact #. Email. Please Register me for (Check Box) March 9 Business Training (lunch included) $25. Mondays, March 16-30 Small Fruit and Vegetable. Training (lunch included) $75. Total Enclosed. Check box for Office use, cash, check #, Credit Card. To pay by credit card please contact:770-836-8546. Cancellation Policy: Registrants who cancel up to two business days prior to the start of the first class will be assessed a $20 processing fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations within two business days of the first of class. If the event is cancelled for any reason, a refund of 100% will be made to registrants.

***

Spore to StoreUrban Mushroom Symposium—Join us onMarch 5 and 6, 2026     Discover what’s next in urban mushroom cultivation at the Spore to Store: Urban Mushroom Symposium 2026. Researchers, growers, culinary professionals, and urban agriculture enthusiasts are invited to attend and explore current research, hands-on production strategies, and gain practical growing insights from established growers. The program includes three tracks: the Enthusiast Track, with interactive sessions to inspire and engage anyone interested in learning more about mushrooms; the Producer Track, focused on practical growing techniques, troubleshooting, and real-world grower experience; and the Innovative Track, highlighting new research, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to using mushrooms in food, textiles, and other products. Two days, Three tracks, 20+ Speakers March 5, 2026: 9:00 AM-3:45 PMMarch 6: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM UGA Griffin Campus1109 Experiment StreetGriffin, Georgia 30223  Two-Day (Early Bird, Standard, and Educator/Student) and One-Day Ticket Pricing Available.  Three Tracks (Enthusiast, Producer, Innovative)✓ Lunch provided each day✓ Coffee and refreshments at breaks✓ Exhibitor Hall and Mushroom Market access✓ Networking events✓ Event materials, name badge, and presentation recordings   Grow the Mushroom Community: Meet researchers, innovators, growers, and enthusiasts at the Spore to Store: Mushroom Symposium on March 5-6, 2026. Get hands-on insights and discover new approaches that are shaping sustainable mushroom production in the Southeast. Register at the following link:https://2026spore2store.eventbrite.com

Copyright (C) 2025 UGA CENTER FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website, email, or were referred to us by the industry. To unsubscribe from ALL email contact from the Center, click the Unsubscribe link below. To adjust your email preferences please click the Update Subscription Preferences below. Our mailing address is: UGA CENTER FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE 1109 EXPERIMENT STREET URBAN AG CENTER GRIFFIN, GA 30223 USA Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe View email in browser

Pictured Above: Center for Urban Agriculture. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. University of Georgia. Spore to Store Urban Mushroom Symposium. Join us on March 5 and 6, 2026. Discover what’s next in urban mushroom cultivation at the Spore to Store: Urban Mushroom Symposium 2026. Researchers, growers, culinary professionals, and urban agriculture enthusiasts are invited to attend and explore current research, hands-on production strategies, and gain practical growing insights from established growers. The program includes three tracks: the Enthusiast Track, with interactive sessions to inspire and engage anyone interested in learning more about mushrooms; the Producer Track, focused on practical growing techniques, troubleshooting, and real-world grower experience; and the Innovative Track, highlighting new research, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to using mushrooms in food, textiles, and other products. Two days, three tracks, 20+ speakers. March 5, 2026: 9:00AM-3:45PM. March 6, 9:00AM-2:30PM. UGA Griffin Campus 1109 Experiment Street Griffin, GA 30223. Two Day (Early Bird, Standards, and Educator/Student) and One Day Ticket pricing available. Three Tracks (Enthusiast, Producer, Innovative) Lunch provided each day. Coffee and refreshments at breaks. Exhibitor Hall and Mushroom Market access. Networking events. Event materials, name badge, and presentation recordings. Grow the Mushroom Community: Meet researchers, innovators, growers, and enthusiasts at the Spore to Store: Mushroom Symposium on March 5-6, 2026. Get hands on insights and discover new approaches that are shaping sustainable mushroom production in the Southeast. Register at the following link. Htp://2026spre2store.eventbrite.com. 

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The Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship Program is a series of cattle handling contests designed to educate and equip Georgia’s youth with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be successful advocates and/or employees for the beef industry. The UGA Beef Team and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association teamed up with cattle producers and UGA Research/Teaching herds across Georgia to provide three Regional Contests in Athens, Carrollton, and Alapaha for the chance to compete for the state title.

Georgia students in 8th-12th grade can compete as a team consisting of three members.

Teams are invited to join us for this year’s Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship County contest on March 18 at the Carroll County Ag Center. Please RSVP your team of 3 by March 9. Please see permission forms attached for your team members will need to be turned in the day of the contest.

The Regional contest will be held at Jeffery Vance’s farm located at 1481 Clem Lowell Road in Carrollton on April 15. The county contest will use the same rules, etc. as the regional and state contests. The top 2 teams from Regional qualify for the State contest. The State contest has not been publicly announced yet on the UGA Beef website.

Mark your calendars:

March 18 – County contest at the Carroll County Ag Center

April 15 – Regional contest at 1481 Clem Lowell Road, Carrollton (please note the information on the UGA Beef team website has not been updated yet)

Please make sure your team members are BQA certified as this is a requirement.

For more details about the Top Hand contest rules, go to https://beef.caes.uga.edu/programs/educational/top-hand-contest/

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, January 19, 2026

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/sites/default/files/1949/2026-01-19/1298830/ams_1949_00322.pdf

New Year, New Strategy: Developing a F.O.R.A.G.E Plan for 2026!Jennifer Tucker As we enter a new year, this season naturally encourages reflection and redirection. For those of us in the livestock and forage industry, this is an excellent time to evaluate our operations, review our forage programs, consider the successes and challenges of the past year, and establish new goals for the future. This article goes over important considerations when establishing your 2026 forage production goals. Read more   Planting and Growing Annual Forages in GeorgiaLisa Baxter and Taylor Randell Singleton Annual forages are an excellent tool for bridging the production gaps left by perennial forage systems and decreasing the need of supplementation. This article provides an overview of annual forage management in the state of Georgia. Read more   Determining Growth Stages in Small GrainsLisa Baxter  It’s almost that time of year again. That time where your winter annual forages might regrow after grazing or harvesting… or they might be done for the season. Understanding growth stages can help take the guess work out of this situation. This video provides some straightforward recommendations to help producers evaluate growth stages in small grains.  Read more   Beef Cattle Market Resources Click here to access the USDA Weekly GA Livestock Review  Click here to access Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes   Carcass Premiums and DiscountUSDA Market News Service Click here to view Premiums and Discounts report  Click here to access National Daily Cattle & Beef Summary    Highlights and Upcoming Events Georgia Bull Evaluation – Tifton 84-day Report Click here   HERD Program – Tifton Report 3 Click here   HERD Program – Calhoun Report 1 Click here   Athens Beef Cattle Short Course February 11 – Registrations Open Click here   Focus on Genomic Enhance EPD Bull Sale February 12 Click here   UGA Bovine Reproductive Ultrasound Training  For veterinarians and veterinary students – February 17 and 18 Click here

Georgia Lawmaker Dedicated to State’s Ag Industry

Beefonomics: Cattle Market Update Risk Management Dr. Will Secor – Recent market swings have highlighted the importance of making an intentional risk management plan. Click below to see how a structured approach to risk management can strengthen long-term decision making for cow-calf producers. Read more   Nutritional Considerations Going into Calving Drs. Lawton Stewart and Uttam Saha -With forage quality ranging widely across Georgia, now is the time to double-check whether your cows are actually getting what they need before calving. Click below to learn how small nutritional gaps can lead to big losses in performance and profitability. Read more   Beef Cattle Market Resources Click here to access the USDA Weekly GA Livestock Review  Click here to access Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes   Carcass Premiums and Discount USDA Market News Service Click here to view Premiums and Discounts report  Click here to access National Daily Cattle & Beef Summary    Highlights and Upcoming Events Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun 84-day Report Click here   Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun Annual Sale – December 5th Click here   Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun Sale Catalog  Click here   Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun Sale Videos Click here   UGA Beef Team UGABeef.com Instagram

Carroll County Ag Newsletter on behalf of Paula Burke​

​

November 14, 2025

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Director of UGA Weather Network Explains Climate Impacts on Life, Agriculture in Georgia

Director of UGA Weather Network explains climate impacts on life, agriculture in Georgia

***

Cattle Auction Prices Follow Futures Prices Lower

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/11/03/cattle-auction-prices-follow-futures-prices-lower

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From Meal Prep to Leftovers: Expert Food Safety Tips for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

From meal prep to leftovers: Expert food safety tips for your Thanksgiving dinner

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Drought Effect: ‘Light’ Pecan Crop in Southeast

Drought Effect: ‘Light’ Pecan Crop in Southeast

***

Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, November 10, 2025

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

***

Pictured above: 

Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners, Farmers, Forest Owners, and Family Businesses.

If you missed it in the spring or you are interested in refreshing your memory, we are pleased to announce an upcoming virtual workshop series, Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners, Farmers, Forest Owners, and Family Businesses. This five-part series is designed to help landowners and family enterprises navigate the complex process of succession planning with clarity and confidence.

Session Schedule (All sessions held at 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / Noon PT):

• November 10: Module 1 – Communication and Conflict in Succession
• November 12: Module 2 – Key Players in Succession: Who Should Be Involved?
• November 14: Module 3 – Legal and Business Structures
• November 17: Module 4 – Roadmapping and Goals in Succession: Who, When, and How to Transfer?
• November 19: Module 5 – Meeting Planning and Coordination for Succession

Registration: https://msudafvm.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pBwqxTT0mB1hGe

Knowing where to begin with succession planning often leaves many landowners, farmers, forest owners, and family businesses feeling overwhelmed and stuck. This research-based curriculum provides a practical roadmap for taking those first steps. Participants will explore essential components of the process, including communication strategies, identifying key players, understanding legal and business structures, and developing a clear transfer plan.

Succession planning involves emotional as well as financial considerations, often making progress difficult. Through this course, participants will gain both the soft and technical skills necessary to create and implement a successful succession plan for their property or business.

Join us for one session or all of the sessions! 

We look forward to your participation in this valuable learning opportunity

***

West Georgia Cattlewomen’s Chapter

Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 pm at the Ag Center

Please join the cattlewomen for Friendsgiving on November 18th. Everyone brings their favorite side dish/ plate/drink. Friends are welcome to join us for our last meeting of the year. Please add to the list what you will be bringing.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vk6zD2LhS504r0PkbyOytadvLUX7XFAL14xoT2-S2_E/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0

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West Georgia Beekeepers Association

Our monthly meeting will be held in-person at:

American Legion Post 145

13141 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134

Thursday, November 20, 2025

We will not have a mentoring session this month

Please join us to meet and greet 6:45 pm

General Meeting 7:00 pm

We will learn how to make Fondant and Honey B Healthy!!

Workshop Leaders – Theresa King, Brad & Kriston Peterson

Nominations & voting for 2026 Board members

Nominations & voting for Beekeeper of the Year

2026 Board Members and Beekeeper of the Year will be announced in December.

***

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Pictured Above: Plum Production Workshop with Terry Batchelor Tuesday December 2 at 6:00PM. Located at the Carroll County Agricultural Center. Learn how to grow, prune, and manage plums successfully. www.carrollyoungfarmers.com QR Code provided. 

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Carroll County Cattlemen Meeting

No meeting in November.

Next meeting is Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 pm

Stay tuned for more details soon.

***

Carroll County Young Farmers Association

37th Winter Classic Livestock Show

January 16-17, 2026

Carroll County Ag-Ed Center

900 Newnan Road

Carrollton, Georgia

CHECK IN

Friday – Check in 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday- Check in 7:00 AM-8:00 AM

Friday – 6:00 PM BBQ Dinner, Entertainment, Bingo, Raffles

Saturday–9:00 a.m.  Showmanship youngest to oldest followed steer show and heifer show

WEIGH IN IS 7:30 AM SATURDAY MOURNING

ENTRIES

$30.00 per entry

$10 per showmanship entry

2025 Carroll County YF Winter Classic

Show Rules

Carroll County Ag-Ed Center         Carrollton, GA             

1.      Eligibility: Open to all FFA & 4-H members

2.      No more than two steers and three heifers can be entered.

3.      Steers and heifers must be owned, in the possession of and under the daily care of the exhibitor by October 1, 2023.

4.      An original registration certificate is required on all registered heifers.

5.      Georgia State Rules will be followed

6.      Health papers are required.

7.      Heifer information:

Registered heifers will be shown by birthdate.

Commercial heifers will be shown by weight.

There must be at least five heifers of one breed to constitute a breed class. All others will be placed in other breeds class.

Steer information: Steers will be shown by weight. There will be no breed classes.

Premium information: Top five heifers will be awarded belt-buckles.   Grand and Reserve Champion Steer will also be awarded buckles. Class premiums will be awarded.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE PRESENT BY 8:00 A.M. SATURDAY.

No REFUNDS

ENTRY FORMS WILL CLOSE ON January 5, 2026

Register at https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

1075 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

678-378-7116

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 An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution

If you are an individual with a disability who may require assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or receive the benefit of a service, program, or activity of UGA, or if you desire more information, please contact us.     

The Farmer’s Feed, UGA Extension Carroll County Ag Email Newsletter –

​FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Cull Cow Prices See Just a Little Seasonal Decline

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/10/02/cull-cow-prices-see-just-a-little-seasonal-decline

***

Winter annual forage update

Recommendations for winter annual forage grasses are derived from updated results of the UGA Statewide Variety Test. These variety lists have been updated on the Georgia Forages website under the respective species name.

We also have a new bulletin on planting and growing annual forages in Georgia. This includes information on forage and cover crop uses:

​​Planting and Growing Annual Forages in Georgia​

***

Hub for all UGA Beef/Forage Drought Resources

www.UGABeef.com/drought

The best place for agents and producers to report local conditions is the Condition Monitoring Reports (CMOR), described at https://www.drought.gov/data-maps-tools/condition-monitoring-observer-reports-drought-cmor-drought

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The Tiniest Patient: Teaching Veterinarians to Treat Bees

The tiniest patient: Teaching veterinarians to treat bees

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A Check in on the Beef Cutout

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/10/02/a-check-in-on-the-beef-cutout

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The Honey Bee Secret to Staying Clean and Healthy

https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?e=d5d33947ec&u=4cc31c1fa608a4d5b37d9e142&id=8fce1c01b4

***

Is Now the Time To Start Using Drones for Spray Applications in Your Orchard or Vineyard?

https://www.growingproduce.com/crop-protection/is-now-the-time-to-start-using-drones-for-spray-applications-in-your-orchard-or-vineyard/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews10222025&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Ways These California Farms Grow Strong With Agritourism

https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/marketing/ways-these-california-farms-grow-strong-with-agritourism/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews10292025&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Fall overgrazing is a scary proposition

https://hayandforage.com/article-5502-Fall-overgrazing-is-a-scary-proposition.html

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Strawberry Planting Season: Management Strategy with Neopestalotiopsis Disease

Strawberry Planting Season: Management Strategy with Neopestalotiopsis Disease

***

Joro or Not? Test Your Spider Spotting Skills With This Quiz

Joro or not? Test your spider-spotting skills with this quiz

***

HPAI Confirmed in Commercial Poultry Flock in Gordon County

HPAI Confirmed in Commercial Poultry Flock in Gordon County

Pictured above: Help Prevent avian influenza in Goergia. Currently, avian influenze (AI) is not a threat to human health or food safety in Georgia. AI poses a risk to all poultry operations, from backyard flocks to state’s $22.8 billion commercial industry. The key to preventing the spread of the disease is biosecurity. All bird owners should take measures to prevent the exposure of flocks to AI. Watch for the following symptoms in your flock: Swelling around the head and neck. Lethargy. Sudden death without clinical signs. Purple discoloration of the legs. Purple discoloration of wattles and combs. Coughing. Nasal discharge. Watery or green diarrhea. Contact the avian influenze hotline at the GA Department of Agriculture with questions and concerns or to report a suspected case. Report a case online scan QR code or call (770) 766-6850. Additional avian infleunza resources available through University of Georgia QR Code provided and Georgia Department of Agriculture QR Code provided. 

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Contract Grazing: A Flexible Option for Row Crop Producers

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/10/21/contract-grazing-a-flexible-option-for-row-crop-producers

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report   

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Tuesday October 28, 2025

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/sites/default/files/1949/2025-10-27/1281691/ams_1949_00313_01.pdf

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

***

Mushroom 101 Workshop

Curious about mushrooms? Whether you want to learn more about mushroom production or simply understanding their role in nature, the Mushrooms 101 workshop in partnership with the Mushroom Club of Georgia is the perfect place to start!

In this hands-on session, you will learn:

•           The basics of mushroom biology

•           Tips for growing mushrooms at home

•           How mushrooms contribute to healthy ecosystems

Details:

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: UGA Griffin Campus, Flynt Building room 305, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Cost:  $20

Register:  https://tinyurl.com/mushrooms2025

Deadline to register is Thursday, November 6! Register early!

Questions about the Workshop?

Contact Dr. Bethany Harris

📧 bethanyharris@uga.edu

📞 770-228-7247

Contact Beth Horne

📧 bhorne@uga.edu

📞 770-228-7214

***

Protecting Your Legacy: Farm and Tractor Safety Update

Open to all ages and experience. 

Glen C. Rains- has worked with Georgia farmers for over 25 years on precision ag and farm safety. 

Latest updates on tractor safety and highway transport- because farming isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. 

PTO Safety tips- new insights on the number 1 cause of farm injuries. 

Rollover Protective Structures- why experiences operators are still at risk. 

Highway Transportation- updates for state and county road hauling. 

Field Opperations- real life stories that can save lives. 

EVENT DETAILS: Saturday November 8, 2025 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Located at 1812 Macedonia Church Road Buchanan, GA 30113. 

Call 770-646-2026 to register. Lunch is provided. Registration Required. 

***

Pictured above: In My Homesteading Era Series: Container Gardening. Spots still available! Monday November 10^th located at the Carroll County Ag Center at 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA. At 6:00PM Dinner is provided. Classes are $25. CAll 770-836-8546 to register. 

***

Pictured above: 

Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners, Farmers, Forest Owners, and Family Businesses.

If you missed it in the spring or you are interested in refreshing your memory, we are pleased to announce an upcoming virtual workshop series, Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners, Farmers, Forest Owners, and Family Businesses. This five-part series is designed to help landowners and family enterprises navigate the complex process of succession planning with clarity and confidence.

Session Schedule (All sessions held at 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / Noon PT):

• November 10: Module 1 – Communication and Conflict in Succession
• November 12: Module 2 – Key Players in Succession: Who Should Be Involved?
• November 14: Module 3 – Legal and Business Structures
• November 17: Module 4 – Roadmapping and Goals in Succession: Who, When, and How to Transfer?
• November 19: Module 5 – Meeting Planning and Coordination for Succession

Registration: https://msudafvm.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pBwqxTT0mB1hGe

Knowing where to begin with succession planning often leaves many landowners, farmers, forest owners, and family businesses feeling overwhelmed and stuck. This research-based curriculum provides a practical roadmap for taking those first steps. Participants will explore essential components of the process, including communication strategies, identifying key players, understanding legal and business structures, and developing a clear transfer plan.

Succession planning involves emotional as well as financial considerations, often making progress difficult. Through this course, participants will gain both the soft and technical skills necessary to create and implement a successful succession plan for their property or business.

Join us for one session or all of the sessions! 

We look forward to your participation in this valuable learning opportunity.

***

West Georgia Beekeepers Association

Our monthly meeting will be held in-person at:

American Legion Post 145

13141 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134

Thursday, November 20, 2025

We will not have a mentoring session this month

Please join us to meet and greet 6:45 pm

General Meeting 7:00 pm

We will learn how to make Fondant and Honey B Healthy!!

Workshop Leaders – Theresa King, Brad & Kriston Peterson

Nominations & voting for 2026 Board members

Nominations & voting for Beekeeper of the Year

2026 Board Members and Beekeeper of the Year will be announced in December.

*************************************************************

CARROLLTON, GA — The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and its Agribusiness Council proudly hosted the 59th Annual Farm-City Harvest Dinner, presented by AgSouth Farm Credit, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Carroll County Ag Center. This long-standing community tradition celebrates the strong partnership between local farms and the business community that helps drive Carroll County’s economy.

The Chamber was honored to welcome Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper as this year’s keynote speaker. As one of the top agriculture counties in Georgia, Carroll County plays a vital role in the state’s agricultural economy. Commissioner Harper’s presentation, The State of Agriculture in Georgia, underscored the importance of the industry both locally and statewide, offering invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s farmers, agribusiness leaders, and rural communities.

The Chamber and its Agribusiness Council also recognized this year’s Agribusiness Award recipients, honoring individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to Carroll County’s agricultural success:

• Agribusiness of the Year: Livestock Sales Barn — for innovation, sustainability, and strong community involvement.
• Future of Ag Award: Kaleb Chambers — for his leadership, dedication, and vision for the future of agriculture.
• Friend of Ag Award: Elizabeth Coggins — for exceptional advocacy and support of agriculture in Carroll County.

This year’s honorees embody the dedication, innovation, and community spirit that continue to strengthen and sustain our local agricultural industry.

The Farm-City Harvest Dinner continues to serve as a cornerstone event in Carroll County, bringing together farmers, business leaders, and residents to honor those who sustain and grow the region’s agricultural legacy.

For more information about the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce or upcoming events, visit www.carroll-ga.org or call 678-890-2355.

Dear Georgia Horse Owner,

My name is Robyn Stewart, and I am a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia. In order to complete my PhD, I am conducting dissertation research to understand the educational needs of Georgia horse owners, including areas of educational need, preferred delivery methods, and the role of veterinarians in horse owner education.

You are invited to participate in this research by completing a 30-minute online survey (63 questions). In order to be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, own a horse, and live in Georgia.

In appreciation for your time, the first 200 responses will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card. To receive the gift card, all questions must be answered and an email address provided. Gift cards will be sent after data collection closes on October 31, 2025.

Participate by visiting the link below and completing the survey anytime between Sept 19 – Oct 31, 2025: https://uga.questionpro.com/t/Ab98TZ6jDH?custom3=Extension

Participation is voluntary, responses are confidential, and you may withdraw at any time.

Thank you for helping with this important research. Questions? Contact me at rlstew2@uga.edu.

Sincerely,
Robyn Stewart, M.S.
PhD Candidate, UGA | Lincoln County Extension Coordinator & ANR Agent
rlstew2@uga.edu | 706-359-3233

Beefonomics: Cattle Market Update Fall Market Update Dr. Will Secor While slaughter steer prices have come down from recent highs in late summer, feeder cattle prices remain elevated. These strong feeder cattle prices, particularly at lighter weights defy seasonal trends that typically see lows placed in the fall. Click below to learn more about current cattle market conditions. Read more   From the Ground to Grazing: Four Steps to Livestock-Forage System SuccessDr. Jennifer Tucker There are many factors that influence successful livestock-forage production systems and there are constant changes that we can make in our operations to help with forage improvement. This article goes over four key steps that will keep us on the right path toward improved forage systems. Read more   Beef Cattle Market Resources Click here to access the USDA Weekly GA Livestock Review  Click here to access Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes   Carcass Premiums and DiscountUSDA Market News Service Click here to view Premiums and Discounts report  Click here to access National Daily Cattle & Beef Summary    Highlights and Upcoming Events Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun 56-day Report Click here   Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun Annual Sale – December 5th Click here

The 4th annual Beef Festival will be held to promote the beef cattle industry in Carroll County and the greater West Georgia area on Saturday, October 18 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Carroll County Ag Center located at 900 Newnan Road in Carrollton. The festival will feature a Beef Chili Cook-off, live cattle display and working demonstration, farm-related vendors, kid’s activities, hay rides, and face painting. Have lunch at the event with beef hamburgers and hotdog plates. To enter the Beef Chili Cook-Off contest, bring your award-winning chili in a crockpot and a half table will be available for set up to sample per contestant. Entry is $10 and prizes will be awarded. For more information contact UGA Extension Carroll County at 770-836-8546.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Understanding Your Market’s Shoppers

https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/article/farm-market-customer-data/?oly_enc_id=8686G7234256C1R

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Laser Scarecrows: A high-tech Solution for Protecting Crops from Birds

https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/article/laser-scarecrows-studied-to-deter-birds-from-fields/?oly_enc_id=8686G7234256C1R

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Feedlot Placements and Marketings Down Sharply from Year Ago

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/09/18/feedlot-placements-and-marketings-down-sharply-from-year-ago

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Threat Looms and Urgency Grows as New World Screwworm Inches Closer to the Texas-Mexico Border

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/09/25/threat-looms-and-urgency-grows-as-new-world-screwworm-inches-closer-to-the-texas-mexico-border

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The Chicken or The Egg…. Productivity in 2026 

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/09/18/the-chicken-or-the-egg-productivity-in-2026

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Managing Increased Customer Traffic at Your Farm Market

https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/article/managing-increased-customer-traffic/?oly_enc_id=8686G7234256C1R

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Succession Success: Preparing Your Agribusiness for the Future

https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/business-planning/succession-success-preparing-your-agribusiness-for-the-future/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews09242025&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Tall Fescue Establishment Must-dos

https://hayandforage.com/article-5473-Tall-fescue-establishment-must-dos.html

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Farm Financial Stress and Suicide Risk: Red Flags Every Community Should Know

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/10/02/farm-financial-stress-and-suicide-risk-red-flags-every-community-should-know

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Hub for all UGA Beef/Forage Drought Resources

UGABeef.com/drought

The best place for agents and producers to report local conditions is the Condition Monitoring Reports (CMOR), described at https://www.drought.gov/data-maps-tools/condition-monitoring-observer-reports-drought-cmor-drought.

Winter Annual Forage Update

Recommendations for winter annual forage grasses are derived from updated results of the UGA Statewide Variety Test. These variety lists have been updated on the Georgia Forages website under the respective species name. 

We also have a new bulletin on planting and growing annual forages in Georgia. This includes information on forage and cover crop uses:

​​Planting and Growing Annual Forages in Georgia​

Checklist for Cleaning and Disinfecting Poultry Enclosures

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fsc-birds-checklist-english.pdf

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USDA to Provide $1 Billion to Flood and Wildfire-Impacted Livestock Producers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced eligible livestock producers will receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire in calendar years 2023 and 2024. The program is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits. Sign-up begins on Monday, September 15. Livestock producers have until October 31, 2025, to apply for assistance.

Qualifying Disaster Events 

To streamline program delivery, FSA has determined eligible counties with qualifying floods and qualifying wildfires in 2023 and 2024. For losses in these counties, livestock producers are not required to submit supporting documentation for floods or wildfires. A list of approved counties is available at fsa.usda.gov/elrp.  

For losses in counties not listed as eligible, livestock producers can apply for ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW but must provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire occurred in the county where the livestock were physically located or would have been physically located if not for the disaster event. FSA county committees will determine if the disaster event meets program requirements.  

Acceptable documentation includes:

·         Photographs documenting impact to livestock, land, or property

·         Insurance documentation

·         Emergency declaration reports

·         News articles

·         National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration storm event database records

·         Other FSA disaster program participation records

·         Other documentation determined acceptable by the FSA county committee

Livestock and Producer Eligibility    

For ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW, FSA is using covered livestock criteria similar to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) which includes weaned beef cattle, dairy cattle, beefalo, buffalo, bison, alpacas, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, ostriches, reindeer, and sheep.  

Wildfire assistance is available on non-federally managed land to participants who did not receive assistance through LFP or the ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire program delivered to producers in July of this year. 

When producers submit their application, they must provide documentation to support eligible livestock inventories as of the beginning date of the qualifying disaster event.

Livestock producers can receive assistance for one or both years, 2023 and 2024, and for multiple qualifying disaster events, if applicable. However, producers cannot exceed three months of assistance per producer, physical location county, and program year.

Payment Calculation    

Eligible producers can receive up to 60% of one month of calculated feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood using the same monthly feed cost calculation that is used for LFP.   

ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire and ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW have a combined payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers who already received the maximum payment amount from ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire will not be eligible to receive an additional payment under ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW. Eligible producers may submit form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs, to be considered for an increased payment limit of $250,000.   

Supplemental Disaster Assistance Timeline 

USDA is fully committed to expediting remaining disaster assistance provided by the American Relief Act, 2025. On May 7, we launched our 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page where the status of USDA disaster assistance and block grant rollout timeline can be tracked. The page is updated regularly and accessible through fsa.usda.gov. Contact your local FSA county office for more information.

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Tuesday, September 30 2025

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

9 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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Garlic Growing Essentials with Lynnae Boudrea

Carroll County Young Farmers Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 6:00 PM

Carroll County Agricultural Center

Develop a new habit, while experiencing the joy of growing your own food. The Carroll County Young Farmers welcomes you to enjoy a fine meal and learn from an experienced farmer. Who knows you might meet a farmer that will share some extra okra with you.

Register @ https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1/garlic

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The Pine Beetle

Featuring Paul McDaniel, Forest health Coordinator for the GA Forestry Commission

Agribusiness Seminar

October 9, 2025 from 6-8 pm

115 N. Highway 113, Carrollton, GA

Dinner will be served free of charge

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Beef Fest Raffle 

Drawing Saturday October 18^th at 12PM. Chance to win one of four prizes.

Two beef Quarters- Pre-cut and packaged. One quarter per winning ticket. Each Quarter is a $1000 value.

Two beef boxes Pre cut and packaged. One box per winning ticket. Each box is a $250 value.

Only 200 tickets being sold. Winners do not have to be present to win. Winner is responsible for arranging pick up.

Proceeds benefit Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association. 

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Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association October 23, 2025 at the Carroll County Ag Center located on 900 Newnan Road Carrollton GA, 30117.

Speaker Kim Hagen from Hagen Farms with the topic of Freeze Branding Cattle.

Please RSVP to 770-836-8546 or carroll.extension@uga.edu by October 21. 

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Mushroom 101 Workshop

Curious about mushrooms? Whether you want to learn more about mushroom production or simply understanding their role in nature, the Mushrooms 101 workshop in partnership with the Mushroom Club of Georgia is the perfect place to start!

In this hands-on session, you will learn:

•           The basics of mushroom biology

•           Tips for growing mushrooms at home

•           How mushrooms contribute to healthy ecosystems

Details:

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: UGA Griffin Campus, Flynt Building room 305, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Cost:  $20

Register:  https://tinyurl.com/mushrooms2025

Deadline to register is Thursday, November 6! Register early!

Questions about the Workshop?

Contact Dr. Bethany Harris

📧 bethanyharris@uga.edu

📞 770-228-7247

Contact Beth Horne

📧 bhorne@uga.edu

📞 770-228-7214

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Farmstead Forum 2025

Learn. Grow. Connect. November 7 and 8 

Located at the Carroll County Ag Center 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA.

www.farmsteadforum.com

What You Will Learn: 

Regenerative farming and gardening-container gardening soil health, fall soil prep, organic practices, market do’s and dont’s, and mushroom cultivation.

Animal Husbandry- Raising chickens, cattle, dairy goats, dairy cow, panel.

Food Preservation and Homemaking- Dehydration sourdough, freshly milled flour, and more. 

Herbal and Functional Medicine- Natural remedies, vaccnines science or religion, building family apothacary, and medical panel. 

Pre-Event Workshops: Poultry processing, canning, and folk medicine walkabout and seminar.

Live Demos Include: Goat’s milk soapmaking, food fermentation, farrier hoof trimming, honey decapping, tallow rendering, seed starting, pruning, and plant propagation, portable sawmill, and hand quilting. 

25% Off sale for all tickets and workshops. 

QR Code bottom right corner for limited time discount. 

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In My Homesteading Era

Location 900 Newnan Road Carrollton, GA 30117.

Join us for our popular homesteading series!

Upcoming Classes:

November 10 Container Gardening.

December 16 Sourdough Discard

$25 per class or $120 for all. Please call 770-836-8546 to register. All classes are at 6:00PM EST. Dinner is provided. 

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Growing Winter Annual Forages Drs. Lisa Baxter and Taylor Singleton Like summer annuals, winter annual forages are an excellent way to bridge production gaps left by perennial forage systems. Click this article for practical tips on growing winter annual forages this year.

Read more

Beef ChallengeHave you been wondering if the genetic selections you’re making are paying off on the rail? Consignments are now underway for the Georgia Beef Challenge! This program provides over 70 different data points on animal performance from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more!

Read more

The domino effect of delayed cutting Dr. Jennifer Tucker  Weather delays can wreck forage quality. Click below to learn how timing impacts forage quality and livestock performance.

Read more

Beef Cattle Market Resources

Click here to access the USDA Weekly GA Livestock Review

Click here to access Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes

Carcass Premiums and DiscountUSDA Market News Service

Click here to view Premiums and Discounts report

Click here to access National Daily Cattle & Beef Summary

Highlights and Upcoming Events Georgia Bull Evaluation – Calhoun 28-day Report

Click here

Tifton – Georgia Bull Evaluation September 16 and 17

Click here

Our upcoming Hypertufa workshop is being held at the Ag Center on Saturday, October 4th from 10AM to Noon. All materials, including 3 succulents, are provided and the cost is $25 per person.

If you are unfamiliar with hypertufa, it’s a method of mixing portland concrete with peat moss or coconut coir with perlite to form ‘old world’ looking planters and yard decor that has the look of concrete but less weight.

Below is a flyer with the details and QR code for the event. If you wish to participate but don’t/can’t use PayPal, feel free to drop by the office with cash or check, and ask Nikki to add you to the roster.

Come and join us for a morning of creative fun and a new learning experience. Hope to see you there.

Elaine DeMarce

CCMGA, President

404-626-2498

e.demarce.ccmg@gmail.com

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Carroll County 4-H Livestock Camp 2025:

We had a wonderful time at 4-H Livestock Camp and wanted to share some of those special moments. This video is filled with fabulous pictures that highlight the fun, learning, and memories made throughout the week. Thank you to all of our volunteers and sponsors who made the week possible. You can view the video on YouTube using the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lJ1CEEre4Y

Fewer Cattle on Feed But, Some Questions

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/08/18/fewer-cattle-on-feed-but-some-questions

Fall Armyworm Management in Pastures and Hayfields

Fall Armyworm Management in Pastures and Hayfields

Harper Encourages GATE Participants to Update Contact Information

Harper Encourages GATE Participants to Update Contact Information

UGA Turf Science Helps Athletes Avoid Injury on the Field

https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?e=d5d33947ec&u=4cc31c1fa608a4d5b37d9e142&id=d7280943eb

Scientists Identify High Viral Loads, Mite Resistance as Key Factors in Recent Honey Bee Losses

https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?e=d5d33947ec&u=4cc31c1fa608a4d5b37d9e142&id=632410f27f

West Nile Virus, EEE Confirmed in Georgia Horses

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/west-nile-virus-eee-confirmed-in-georgia-horses/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes082025

Ground Beef Now or Calves in 2026?

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/08/12/ground-beef-now-or-calves-in-2026

Here’s Why You Should Stop Making Hay

https://hayandforage.com/article-5437-Here’s-why-you-should-stop-making-hay.html

Invasive Insect Threatens Georgia Crops: Spotted Lanternfly

Invasive Insect Threatens Georgia Crops: Spotted Lanternfly

GDA Launches Official 2025 Georgia Grown Farmers Market Map

GDA Launches Official 2025 Georgia Grown Farmers Market Map

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell? Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc. Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone? Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here.

Narragansett Turkeys and Silver Appleyard Ducks

Heritage breed Narragansett Turkeys and Silver Appleyard Ducks ready to go for folks interested in raising turkeys or ducks for livestock. These endangered breeds are part of our heritage preservation mentoring program.

For more information, contact:

Cathy Hawkins

Founder and CEO

Cluster Flock Farm, Inc.

P.O. Box 97 Bowdon, GA 30108

470.456.9950

Young Farmers Members Fruit Trees and Bushes for Purchase at Reduced Rates Bushes: $7 (1-gallon plants)

Fruit Trees: $25 each

Pecan Trees: $30 each

Membership is required to order. If you’re not current, you can renew or join online—membership dues are only $20 per year.

Order Deadline: September 9, 2025

Estimated Delivery: December 2, while plants are dormant for best transplant success.

Pickup Information:

We kindly ask that all plants be picked up during the designated time frame.

Any plants not picked up by December 9 will be donated to local FFA chapters.

This allows us to prepare the Agriculture Center for other scheduled activities and reduces the risk of theft from prolonged storage. We cannot secure your plants at the Agriculture Center. We will notify you when the plants arrive and it is your responsibility to arrange pickup of the plants.

Place your order online here: Young Farmers Fruit Order Link

https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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Farmer Focused Grazing Workshop

Join us for a FREE, farmer-focused workshop with grazing expert Terry Chandler to learn proven strategies for boosting pasture productivity, cutting feed and fertilizer costs, and restoring soil health.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

6:00 PM

Carroll County Agricultural Center, 900 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA 30116

What You’ll Learn:

Managed grazing for healthier, more productive soil

Grazing strategies that lower input costs

Livestock and forage rotations that increase profits

Real examples from Georgia farms

Supper will be provided

Door prizes for attendees

👉 Click here to register

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Mite Counting Honey Bees Program

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM

Location: Central Elementary School Honey Bee Lab

https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1/mites

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Testing for Georgia Master Beekeeper Program

September 11-13, 2025

2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, GA 30507

Ramsey Conference Center

Testing for all levels of the Georgia Master Beekeeper Program at the Georgia Beekeepers Association Fall meeting. If you are interested click the link below for more information or you can email Jennifer at jbee@uga.edu. We will also have a number of pollinator plants for sale. They will include perennials, shrubs and trees that will beautify your yard while feeding a whole array of pollinators.

https://gabeekeeping.com/GBA-Conferences

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SAVE THE DATE

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Fall Farm Tour – September 24

Sunbelt Expo – October 14-16

Farm-City Harvest Dinner – October 21

Art + Farm Bazaar – November 22

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Anyone seeing any armyworms in or near Carroll County?  I haven’t received any calls yet about anyone having them in their fields yet. 

I definitely have them right now on my farm over in Alabama.  The tell-tale sign is the egrets (a distinct white bird) appearing and lingering in my pastures.  They love to eat the armyworms. 

Check out this new UGA publication about fall armyworms.

Fall Armyworm Management in Pastures and Hayfields

Paula J. Burke
UGA Extension Carroll County

University of Georgia Equine Program Check Out Our Newsletter The University of Georgia’s Equine Program offers education, research, and outreach in equine science, youth programs, and continuing education for horse owers and agents.site.caes.uga.edu

View this email in your browser   ‘UGA Equine Insights’ is a collaborative digital newsletter powered by faculty and staff from the University of Georgia’s Department of Animal and Dairy Science, along with county extension agents from across the state. Serving as Georgia’s primary equine newsletter, it offers timely insights, research updates, educational content, and practical tips tailored to horse owners, enthusiasts, and industry professionals throughout the state.   Latest Updates August 14, 2025   Buzz Off: Smart Strategies for Summer Insect Control in Horses   By Allison Bailey on Aug 13, 2025 01:10 pm Summer in Georgia brings more than just heat—it also marks the arrival of flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects that can impact your horse’s health and comfort. Read More Tips for Preventing and Managing Pasture Laminitis in Horses   By Brenda Jackson & Dr. Kylee Duberstein on Aug 13, 2025 12:23 pm Laminitis in horses is a painful and debilitating hoof condition that results from a variety of nutritional, health, and environmental factors. Read More Managing Horses in Hot Weather   By Robyn Stewart on Aug 13, 2025 12:01 pm While we love the long days of summer and spending time at the barn, Georgia’s summer heat can be intense. The average heat index during the summer months is around 99.7°F, and in direct sunlight, it can feel up to 15°F hotter. Read More

The 2025 Buffalo Creek Fall Festival is coming soon! This event is proudly brought to you by the Carroll County Master Gardens on Saturday, September 6th from 9AM to 4PM at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center at 900 Newnan Rd, Carrollton, Ga 30117. This is our 5th annual arts and crafts festival with 100+ vendors offering handmade items and yummy foodstuff, a variety of food trucks with savory menu items, light entertainment, activities for the kids, and those must-have plants for you house and landscape. We will also be offering off-site parking with a shuttle service for your convenience. Questions? Contact us at (770) 836-8546 and ask for the MG office.

Seeking a field experienced adult guardian dog to protect sheep. Prefer a male Great Pyrenees that is neutered. Very, very open to other field experienced guardian dog breeds as well.

Please contact:

Hillery Goodgame

(678) 768-5871

Blue Heron Urban Farms and Sanctuary LLC

Funding for one year is available to UGA and Carroll County Extension will be hiring a part time (19 hours per week) AmeriCorps member to join our Extension team and work with the 4-H Program. If you or someone you know, loves working with youth, likes teaching, and wants to earn money to use torwards their education, come work with our dynamic team and make a difference in our youth’s lives.

See the flyer below and click on the QR codes for more information.

For questions contact our 4-H Agent Rebekah Claar at 770-836-8546 or Rebekah.Claar@uga.edu.

Adults Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.orgLast Instars Richard Gardner, Bugwood.orgEarly Instars Richard Gardner, Bugwood.orgSpotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)Native to Asia. Invading across the eastern US, found in Atlanta GA as of 2024. Eggs are laid in masses beginning in September on smooth host plan surfaces and materials and may have a smooth waxy coating. Nymphs go through four instars May-Sept. Instars 1-3 are black with white spots. Instar 4 is black and red with white spots. Adults begin appearing in June. They are 0.81-1.04 in long with red, black, grey, and white wings and a black and yellow body. Hosts include a wide range of trees and woody vines, such as almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, nectarines, oak, peaches, and more. Tree-of-heaven are a primary feeding and egg laying target.Tree-of-heaven Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, Bugwood.orgEgg mass with and without covering Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org

or Report via gainvasives.org/slf/report/Spotted lanternfly InfoImages Species InfoFact SheetInfographic Educational SlidesNymph LookalikesAdult Lookalikes ArticleFlyer Click any image for links and to Download and Share!

Spotted Lanterfly Survey Priorities 2025 Spotted lanternfly was found for the first time in Georgia in 2024 in Fulton county. Nymphs and adults are currently being reported in Fulton county While spotted lanternfly could hitchhike anywhere on equipment and vehicles, priority survey locations in GA are currently centered on and around Fulton county and the counties nearby Oconee County, SC.

Small flock of chickens (6) looking to rehome. Three are older, about 4 years old, and three are still young and should start laying in a couple months.

The older gals are Buff Brahma, Silver Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex. And the young ones are Black Australorps but not positive.

Contact:

Amy Ellis

amy.e.ellis@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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West Georgia Beekeepers Association

American Legion Post 145

13141 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134

Thursday, July 17, 2025

6:30 p.m. – Mentoring Session

7:00 p.m. – Meeting

Our guest speaker this month is:

John Foran is a side-line beekeeper and queen producer. He manages three bee yards with a total of more than 85 colonies of bees plus the queen yard. As Part of the Master Beekeeper Program, he earned his Certified Beekeeper designation from the University of Georgia Beekeeping Institute, Young Harris, Georgia. He is Vice President of the Paulding County beekeepers association, and served as Treasurer for three years. He also served on the West Georgia Beekeepers Association Board for many years. He was Born and raised in Douglasville, GA and retired after serving 30 years in the USAF.

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SAVE THE DATE

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 6

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Fall Farm Tour – September 24

Sunbelt Expo – October 14-16

Farm-City Harvest Dinner – October 21

Art + Farm Bazaar – November 22

Backyard Chicken Processing – October 3 (Homesteading Series)

Beef Tour – Fall 2025

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For those interested in these programs or want more information on what the Farm Service Agency offers, our office number is 770-834-2097 extension 2 and our office email is gacarrollt-fsa@usda.gov

Maps are now available at the Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Paulding and Troup County FSA Office for acreage reporting purposes. If you wish to receive your maps by e-mail, please call our office or email gacarrollt-fsa@usda.gov.   Please see the following acreage reporting deadlines for Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Paulding and Troup County:July 15, 2025:  All other crops and perennial forageIn order to maintain program eligibility and benefits, you must file timely acreage reports. Failure to file an acreage report by the crop acreage reporting deadline may cause ineligibility for future program benefits. FSA will not accept acreage reports provided more than a year after the acreage reporting deadline.Producers are encouraged to file their acreage reports as soon as planting is completed.

Celebrating 25 Years of USDA’s Farm Storage Facility Loan Program

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) celebrated 25 years of the agency’s popular Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) this May. For a quarter century, family-owned agricultural operations have received low-interest financing through the program to enhance or expand their operations and manage marketing of the commodities they produce by building or upgrading permanent and portable storage facilities and purchasing needed handling equipment.

The FSFL program was created in May 2000 to address existing on-farm grain storage needs.  Since the program’s inception, more than 40,000 loans have been issued for on-farm storage, increasing storage capacity by one billion bushels. While many producers primarily associate the program with grain storage, over the past 25 years the eligible storage has expanded to include a wide variety of facilities and related equipment – new or used and permanent or portable – including hay barns, bulk tanks, and facilities for cold storage. Drying, handling and storage equipment is also eligible, including skid steers and storage and handling trucks.

Eligibility

Eligible commodities for storage loans include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, hemp, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables, floriculture, hops, seed cotton, wool, maple sap, maple syrup, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs, unprocessed meat and poultry, rye and aquaculture. Most recently, controlled atmosphere storage was added as an eligible facility and bison meat has been also added to the list of eligible commodities. 

FSFL is an excellent financing program to address on-farm storage and handling needs for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000.

In 2016, FSA introduced a new storage loan category, the microloan, for loans with an aggregate balance up to $50,000. Microloans offer a 5% down payment requirement, compared to a 15% down payment for a regular FSFL, and microloans waive the regular three-year production history requirement.

How to apply

Loan applications should be filed in the administrative FSA county office that maintains a producer’s farm records. Producers can contact their  FSA County Office to make an appointment. Beginning farmers who haven’t worked with FSA can visit farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers for more information or view the New Farmers Fact Sheet.

For more information, visit the FSFL webpage, view the fact sheet and our Ask the Expert Blog, or contact your FSA County Office.

USDA Approves Emergency Forest Restoration Assistance for All Counties in Georgia to Address Southern Pine Beetle Damage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Georgia is accepting applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) in all 159 counties in Georgia to address damages from the southern pine beetle infestation. EFRP provides financial cost-share and technical assistance to restore nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) damaged by a qualifying natural disaster. The EFRP sign-up period opened May 14, 2025, and ends on Aug. 14, 2025. “Southern pine beetle damage to forestlands is extensive and recovery from the impact is never easy, but EFRP can provide much-needed financial support,” said Duncan Johnson, State Executive Director for FSA in Georgia. “If you have an immediate need to restore your operation, please call your local office to discuss authorized restoration practices and approval to start recovery efforts before you take any action.”EFRP Participation Requirements Approved EFRP practices include hardwood forest restoration, softwood forest restoration, mixed forest restoration, and longleaf pine restoration.  Cost-share is reimbursed for up to 75% of the lesser of the actual costs incurred or allowable cost after a restoration activity is complete. If an EFRP application is approved, the program participant is expected to perform restoration and conservation practices based on the FSA-848A Cost-Share Agreement and restoration plan provided. Maximum cost share for EFRP is $500,000 per entity, per natural disaster event.  To participate in EFRP, eligible applicants must:  complete restoration to meet technical standards established through FSA by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or the state forestry agency, anddocument and keep records of all costs incurred to complete the restoration activities, including costs associated with personal labor.  To meet eligibility requirements, NIPF land must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be suitable for growing trees. The land must also be owned or leased by a nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land. To expedite approvals of restoration work for EFRP, FSA has waived the onsite inspection for all EFRP forest types to remove hazard trees, surface debris, and fence repair to expedite needs determinations and approvals of restoration work. Additionally, FSA waived the requirement for applicants to obtain prior approval to conduct surface debris removal, fence repair and hazard tree removal to support critical disaster recovery efforts. Applicants should not begin any restoration activities that could be potentially ground-disturbing prior to notifying FSA and receiving approval to begin restorative activities.Applicants should contact the Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Paulding, and Troup County FSA Office at (770) 834-2097 ext. 2 with questions on eligibility, authorized activities and applying for EFRP assistance.

Samantha Fowler

County Executive Director

Carroll County Farm Service Agency | Serving Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Paulding, & Troup

Farm Service Agency
1003 Newnan RD, STE 301, Carrollton, Georgia, 30116
p: (770) 834-2097 ext. 2

On June 19, the Carroll County Cattlemen hosted the Georgia Cattlemen Region 4 membership appreciation dinner and trade show. Over 200 cattlemen and women members from Carroll, Heard, Haralson, Polk, Tri-County, and Coweta Counties enjoyed a steak dinner and had the opportunity to visit ag related businesses and organizations.

For more information about the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and joining a local chapter, visit https://www.georgiacattlemen.org. The Carroll County Cattlemen meet the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Carroll County Ag Center located at 900 Newnan Road in Carrollton.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Michael Toews Offers New Vision for UGA Extension

Michael Toews Offers New Vision for UGA Extension

SECOND CASE OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CONFIRMED IN GEORGIA

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) confirmed a second deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD).  The deer, a 4.5 year-old male, was taken in Berrien County approximately 400 yards from the first CWD-positive deer harvest location. The deer was taken by a landowner permittee assisting with ongoing sampling as part of DNR’s CWD response plan.

“Continue reading release at GeorgiaWildlife.com/second-case-chronic-wasting-disease-confirmed-georgia. 

MORE INFORMATION: Chronic Wasting Disease in Georgia: GeorgiaWildlife.com/CWD

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NOAA: Latest outlook indicates warmer and wetter summer likely in 2025

NOAA: Latest outlook indicates warmer and wetter summer likely in 2025

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They’re back: Watching out for Yellow-Legged Hornets

Spring’s arrival signals not only blooming flowers but also the emergence of a serious threat to Georgia’s pollinators: the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) urges residents to be vigilant in spotting embryo nests – the small, initial nests built by new queens before they establish larger colonies.

In this issue, Mike Evans, GDA Plant Protection Division director, explained that finding and destroying embryo nests are key to reducing Yellow-Legged Hornets in number and activity. His team has placed more traps along Georgia’s coast and gotten them out early to catch more queens.

If you believe you’ve discovered an embryo nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact the GDA Plant Protection Division at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.

You can also report Yellow-Legged Hornet sightings by using the online reporting form here.

https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet

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UGA Forage Extension Team

Make a case for relief assistance- Hay & Forage Grower
Winter Forages
Winter Annual Forage Variety Selection
Fall Armyworm Resources
“We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” -Thomas Fuller

Are you a Georgia Bermudagrass Sprigger?
Make a case for relief assistance- Hay & Forage Grower
Winter Forages
Winter Annual Forage Variety Selection
Fall Armyworm Resources

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Cropland Rents

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/04/09/cropland-rents

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UGA Weed Science Blog about field corn and soybean weed control

https://ugaweedscience.blogspot.com

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Georgia Centennial Farms Program

Deadline is June 16.

https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/historic-preservation/centennial-farms-program

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Selling Flowers Publication

https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/do-you-want-grow-and-sell-flowers

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Tallow and Lard

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/05/21/tallow-and-lard

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Working with your Ag Lender

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/05/21/working-with-your-ag-lender

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From Grass to grains:Why Stockpiling Bahiagrass Pays off

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/05/21/from-grass-to-gains-why-stockpiling-bahiagrass-pays-off

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Composting 101: Everything you need to know to get started

https://cultivatingcuriosity.caes.uga.edu/1984244/episodes/17190138-composting-101-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-started?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=1e7b373d17-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-1e7b373d17-35714517

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Minority rules: Fire ant study reveals power of the few

https://ecology.uga.edu/2025/05/07/a-minority-can-influence-whole-group-to-change-study-finds/?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=13094c6d79-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-13094c6d79-35714517

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Newly hatched Narragansett Turkey Poults for sale

This Heritage breed is endangered and listed with the Livestock Conservancy.

$10 e straight run, hatched 5/21-22.

Cathy Hawkins 

Cluster Flock Farm, Inc. 

Bowdon, GA 30108 

470.456.9950

Ram Wanted: 

Looking for a ram that is at least one year old for our meat flock. The preferred breeds are Katahdin, St. Croix or Dorper.

D. Hillery Goodgame

Owner, Blue Heron Urban Farms and Sanctuary

(678) 768-5871

hillery.goodgame@gmail.com

Udderly Cool Creamery For Sale

https://cheesereporter.com/classified/small-cheese-creamery-business-for-sale-roopville-ga

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Ryegrass Haylage

200 bales of ryegrass haylage for sale.  60 dollars a bale.  Large quantities cheaper.

Ralph Caldwell

ralphcaldwell@att.net

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, June 2, 2025

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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New Winegrape Grower Symposium

June 21, 2025

Event Announcement! – New Grower Symposium, Jun 21st, 2025

SAVE THE DATE

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 6

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Fall Farm Tour – September 24

Sunbelt Expo – October 14-16

Beef Festival – October 18

Farm-City Harvest Dinner – October 21

Art + Farm Bazaar – November 22

Backyard Chicken Processing – October 3 (Homesteading Series)

Beef Tour – Fall 2025

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The Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship Regional contest, held on April 15 at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center, is a cattle handling contest designed to educate and equip Georgia’s youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be successful advocates and/or employees for the beef industry. Georgia students in 8^th-12^th grade compete as a team consisting of three members.  The Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association and UGA Extension Carroll County teamed up with the UGA Beef Team and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association to conduct one of three regional contests held in the state.  The top three placing teams get a chance to compete for the state title on May 3 in Forsyth, Georgia.  The contest was held at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center for the first time due to the purchase of cattle handling equipment which was funded by the Carroll County Commissioners to support youth and adult programming such as the Top Hand contest, 4-H Livestock Camp, cattle shows, and cattle educational demonstrations. 

The winners at the Regional contest in Carroll County were the following:

1^st – The Young Guns (Tyler Brown, Jake Vance, Wyatt Harmon) Coached by Eric Brown and Jeffrey Vance

2^nd – Central FFA (Clayton Daniel, Levi Layton, Asher Ayers) Coached by Ryan Ayers

3^rd – Haralson County FFA (Levi Webb, Luke Webb, Joseph Williams) Coached by Nikhol Dysart

4^th – Coweta Cattle Crew (Julianna Breeding, Maddie Belle Massengale, Avery Pruitt) Coached by Lowell Kissinger

5^th – Coweta Cattle Chicks (Reese Dodson, Palyn Dodson, Mary Anne Burnette) Coached by Lowell Kissinger

Special thanks to the judges David Huddleston and Liam Tewksbury, and to Eric Brown and Jeffrey Vance for providing the cattle.  For more information about cattle or general agricultural programs, contact UGA Extension Carroll County at 770-836-8456 or join the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Carroll County Ag Center.

Buffalo Creek Garden featured in Video

Each month, Lauren Goble, Farm Bureau Education Programs Coordinator and her photographer/videographer, Jennifer create an Ag in the Classroom book of the Month online resource. When the book for April was selected – “The Chalk Garden,” by Sally Anne Garland, Lauren began looking for gardens that incorporated art in their space. She happened upon the Buffalo Creek Garden, managed by the Carroll County Master Gardener volunteers, during her search.

If you would like to see the video, hear the story of “The Chalk Garden”, and see the other resources, go to the following website, scroll down to the April book – “The Chalk Garden” and click on the links within the page.

https://www.gfb.org/learn/book-recommendations

Or you can just go straight to the link to the video about the garden:

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They’re back: Watching out for Yellow-Legged Hornets

Spring’s arrival signals not only blooming flowers but also the emergence of a serious threat to Georgia’s pollinators: the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) urges residents to be vigilant in spotting embryo nests – the small, initial nests built by new queens before they establish larger colonies.

In this issue, Mike Evans, GDA Plant Protection Division director, explained that finding and destroying embryo nests are key to reducing Yellow-Legged Hornets in number and activity. His team has placed more traps along Georgia’s coast and gotten them out early to catch more queens.

If you believe you’ve discovered an embryo nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact the GDA Plant Protection Division at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.

You can also report Yellow-Legged Hornet sightings by using the online reporting form here.

https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet

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Experts study mystery irises at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/experts-study-mystery-irises-at-coastal-georgia-botanical-gardens/index.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=46714d8c19-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-46714d8c19-35714517

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Don’t jump the grazing gun

https://hayandforage.com/article-5291-Don%E2%80%99t-jump-the-grazing-gun.html

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Cattle Inventory and Beef Production

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/19/cattle-inventory-and-beef-production

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Before Starting a Farm Transfer: A Farm Family Pre-Agreement

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/19/before-starting-a-farm-transfer-a-farm-family-pre-agreement

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Talking about Transitioning our Farms and Ranches

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/02/07/talking-about-transitioning-our-farms-and-ranches

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Four Ways for Farmers to Avoid Estate Taxes in 2025

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/19/four-ways-for-farmers-to-avoid-estate-taxes-in-2025

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Record Cow Prices! It’s Not April Fools!

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/02/07/record-cow-prices-its-not-april-fools

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Farm Market & Agritourism: Getting ready for the farmers market season

https://fruitgrowersnews.com/article/farm-market-agritourism-getting-ready-for-the-farmers-market-season/

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What horse owners want from haymakers

https://hayandforage.com/article-5275-What-horse-owners-want-from-haymakers.html

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Why the Farm Bill affects everyone — not just farmers

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10597/farm-bill.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=8726438070-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-8726438070-35714517

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Developing Rural Economic Opportunities Through Agritourism

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/02/07/developing-rural-economic-opportunities-through-agritourism

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Depopulation as a Tool for Highly Contagious Animal Disease Control

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/02/07/depopulation-as-a-tool-for-highly-contagious-animal-disease-control

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Establishing a Protocol for Receiving Cattle that are At-Risk of Having a Mineral Deficiency – Utah

Establishing a Protocol for Receiving Cattle that are At-Risk of Having a Mineral Deficiency – Utah

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FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell? Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc. Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone? Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here.

Ram Wanted:

Looking for a ram that is at least one year old for our meat flock. The preferred breeds are Katahdin, St. Croix or Dorper.

D. Hillery Goodgame

Owner, Blue Heron Urban Farms and Sanctuary

(678) 768-5871

hillery.goodgame@gmail.com

Udderly Cool Creamery For Sale

https://cheesereporter.com/classified/small-cheese-creamery-business-for-sale-roopville-ga/

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Ryegrass Haylage

200 bales of ryegrass haylage for sale. 60 dollars a bale. Large quantities cheaper.

Ralph Caldwell

ralphcaldwell@att.net

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, April 7, 2025

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 120 N. Park St. (Hwy.27) Moore’s Chapel UMC Parking Lot

Park either in front lot on N. Park OR from Alabama Street turn on MLK St. and park in Water Park Lot

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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West GA Beekeepers Association

American Legion Post 145

13141 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134

Thursday, April 17, 2025

6:30 p.m. – Mentoring Session

7:00 p.m. – Meeting

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From Backyard to Barnyard

Biosecurity for poultry on a multi-species farm

Join fellow flu fighters on 4/17 at 2:30 p.m. EDT to hear APHIS Poultry HPAI Incident Lead Dr. Melissa Yates present “From Backyard to Barnyard: Biosecurity for Poultry on a Multi-Species Farm.”

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is in all 50 states. With wild birds migrating this spring, your flock – and susceptible livestock – are at increased risk for HPAI.

Boost your biosecurity know-how now to protect all your animals. Download the Spring 2025 edition of our newsletter to get answers to questions like:

Why are poultry and susceptible livestock at increased risk this spring?
Why is biosecurity so important for your farm or backyard?
What can you do to protect your livestock?

Download the PDF here >>>

Register

https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TGdTd4mKTDeIhhEZpKbdKA#/registration

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Georgia Aquaculture Conference

April 18 at the Georgia Center in Athens.

The event is bringing together aquaculture researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry leaders from across the state to talk about how sustainable aquaculture—both freshwater and saltwater—is growing in Georgia and what it means for the state’s economy and food systems.

Hosted by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, alongside the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the conference will cover topics like emerging aquaculture opportunities, research, regulations, financing, and workforce development.

With seafood demand on the rise and increased interest in local, sustainable food systems, aquaculture is becoming an important part of Georgia’s economic and environmental future—and UGA is playing a key role in making that happen.

You can find more details in the official press release here: https://gacoast.uga.edu/ga-sustainable-aquaculture-conference/

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Commercial Poultry Conferences

April 15-17, 2025 (Athens, Georgia):
Hot Weather Management Workshop

May 6, 2025 (online):
Georgia Precision Poultry Farming Conference

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The Carroll County Chamber’s Agribusiness Council invites you to join us for our Spring Farm Tour on May 9th! This is a unique opportunity to explore some of Carroll County’s most fascinating farms, meet their owners, and learn about the incredible work they do.

📅 Date: Thursday, May 9th
🕘 Time: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
📍 Stops Include:

Livestock Sales Barn – A firsthand look at livestock auctions and sales.
Morris Farm – The former home of Susan B. Hayward, rich in history and agriculture.
Kissing Tree Farm – A beautiful farm known for its stunning daylily gardens.

Lunch and transportation are provided, though you are welcome to drive yourself if preferred.

This is always a fun and well-loved event, and we’d love to have you join us! Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP soon.

To reserve your spot or for more information, please contact us at events@carroll-ga.org or register online!

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Clean Day

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce our next Clean Day pesticide waste collection event. The event will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025, at St Ives Country Club in Johns Creek Ga. from 9:00am – 3:00pm. This event is free and open to all statewide commercial/private applicators, commercial contractors, and the pest control industry. Pre-registration is required for this event due to limited funding. Dealers are invited and will be charged an additional cost per pound. Please distribute as appropriate to help promote this event. https://agr.georgia.gov/events/2025/pesticide-clean-day-event-fulton-county

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SAVE THE DATE

West Georgia Equine Symposium – June 14

4-H Livestock Camp – July 21-25

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 6

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Fall Farm Tour – September 24

Sunbelt Expo – October 14-16

Beef Festival – October 18

Farm-City Harvest Dinner – October 21

Art + Farm Bazaar – November 22

Backyard Chicken Processing – Fall 2025

Beef Tour – Fall 2025

I. Applicant Information

a. The applicant must be a student accepted to an accredited university or college, technical school or two-year college. Applicant must be majoring in a program in agriculture, consumer science, landscaping, plant science, animal science, environmental science, natural resources, horticulture, forestry or a related agriculture field.

b. First consideration for a scholarship will be given to a High School Senior applicant from Carroll County.

c. If no Carroll county residents apply, consideration will be given to a resident of an adjacent West Georgia County. Parent or grandparent needs to be a current member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association.

d. The applicant must show a need for the scholarship.

e. Applicant must have the institution’s registrar mail an official transcript to the: Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association, Scholarship Committee, 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117.

II. Selection Process

a. The recipient will be selected by the scholarship committee of the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association.

b. All completed applications will be considered by the committee and evaluated based on the information provided. An interview may be requested by the Committee.

c. Priority consideration will be given to those whose applications are complete and turned in by May 1. The scholarship will be awarded at the May Cattlemen’s meeting. Only one $1,000 scholarship will be given each year.

III. Payment

a. A check for the full amount of the scholarship will be made payable to the college of the selected recipient with the understanding that the funds will be used to defray the expenses directly associated with enrolling and attending the accredited college, university or technical school.

IV. Instructions for completing application: Attach additional pages if more room is needed to complete answers. Mail application to Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association, Scholarship Committee, 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117.

The Carroll County Chamber’s Agribusiness Council invites you to join us for our Spring Farm Tour on May 9th! This is a unique opportunity to explore some of Carroll County’s most fascinating farms, meet their owners, and learn about the incredible work they do.

📅 Date: Thursday, May 9th
🕘 Time: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
📍 Stops Include:

• Livestock Sales Barn – A firsthand look at livestock auctions and sales.
• Morris Farm – The former home of Susan B. Hayward, rich in history and agriculture.
• Kissing Tree Farm – A beautiful farm known for its stunning daylily gardens.

Lunch and transportation are provided, though you are welcome to drive yourself if preferred.

This is always a fun and well-loved event, and we’d love to have you join us! Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP soon.

To reserve your spot or for more information, please contact us at events@carroll-ga.org or register online! 

We are looking for someone with:

Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

Self-motivated

Team-oriented

Full Time Position Includes:

Carroll County Benefits – Health and Life Insurance, Retirement

Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm with occasional nights and weekends

Paid time off and paid holidays

For details, please see the attached or go to https://www.carrollcountyga.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=99&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Agriculture-Educator-831

Please feel free to share this information with a potential candidate.

Questions about the position can be directed to Paula Burke at pjburke@uga.edu or 770-836-8546.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/adm-recalls-select-pelleted-cattle-nutrition-feed-products

Specific lots may contain elevated or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle

CHICAGO, March 5, 2025 – ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM (NYSE: ADM), is recalling specific pelleted animal feed products because they may contain elevated levels of copper or have levels of zinc below the represented amounts which could be harmful to cattle.

Possible impacts of chronic copper toxicity include: gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, signs of abdominal pain, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, and dehydration. Possible impacts of zinc deficiency include: decreases in feed intake, feed efficiency, and growth.

No illnesses or deficiency impacts have been reported to date.

There are 33 lot numbers involved in this recall. The pelleted products were distributed between January 16, 2025 and February 27, 2025, and could have been purchased in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, and Ohio. All of the products listed, except for GROFAST32, have elevated levels of copper. GROFAST32 has levels of zinc below the represented amounts.

ADM discovered this issue during routine production. The company immediately began investigating and initiated the recall upon receiving confirmation that the pelleted feed had varying levels of copper and zinc that can impact animals. ADM is in the process of notifying customers and distributors involved in this recall, and all affected products are currently being removed from retail shelves.

The lot number of ADM products can be found at the bottom of the label.

Specific lots may contain elevated or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle.

Link to Product List

Carroll EMC would like to invite you to attend our spring Agribusiness Seminar. The event will be Thursday, April 24, from 6-8 PM in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at our Carrollton office. Our keynote speaker will be Chuck Bargeron, Director of the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, and he will be presenting on invasive species and those specific to the West Georgia area.

Please share this email, invitation and link with people in your organization you think should attend. The seminar is free of charge and dinner is included, so please encourage those attending to RSVP via the link below.

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/carroll-emc-ag-seminar

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Carroll County Master Gardeners Scholarship Guidelines

$1,200 Educational Scholarship

April 15 – deadline to apply and submit all supporting documents

The applicant must be majoring in a program in agriculture, consumer science, agricultural education, landscaping, plant science, environmental science, natural resources, horticulture, forestry or a related field.  Applicants must reside in Carroll, Haralson or Heard counties.

For an application go to https://www.carrollcountymastergardeners.com/scholarships

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Georgia Ag Forecast Series (17 articles) (AP 130-3 2025)

2024 Georgia Corn Production Guide (AP 132-01)

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The Beginning Farmer Stipend

DATES & AWARDS

Applications open February 10, 2025 and close on March 12, 2025

Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000

WHO SHOULD APPLY

For those who have been farming up to three years.

Tailored for historically underserved farmers or ranchers who own or co-own their farming operations by providing essential support to help establish a strong foundation (USDA NRCS definition)

Available to farmers in AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA

Farmer Grants-2025

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First Positive Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has confirmed through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories that a hunter-harvested deer sampled for routine surveillance in Lanier County has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first case of CWD detected in Georgia. 

The sample was taken from a two-and-a-half-year-old male white-tailed deer harvested on private property. Immediately following the positive confirmation, WRD staff implemented the CWD Response Plan and are taking additional samples from the area. 

“I want to assure our hunters that deer hunting will continue to thrive in Georgia, despite this current discovery,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds.”  

Read Full News Release at https://georgiawildlife.com/first-positive-case-chronic-wasting-disease-confirmed-georgia

MORE INFORMATION

• Chronic Wasting Disease
• Georgia Deer Information

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Ga. Lifts Suspension of Poultry, Releases HPAI Control Area

Ga. Lifts Suspension of Poultry, Releases HPAI Control Area

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Protect your home with a radon test kit

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/news/story/protect-your-home-with-a-radon-test-kit?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=f25b82ba13-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-f25b82ba13-35714517

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Short-term Heating Fuel Decisions Facing Commercial Poultry Growers

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/01/02/short-term-heating-fuel-decisions-facing-commercial-poultry-growers

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Why Haven’t Land Values Reacted to Reduced Farm Profits?

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/02/07/why-havent-land-values-reacted-to-reduced-farm-profits

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Best by vs. sell by: UGA food safety expert explains expiration dates

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10579/expiration-dates.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=8c956c5a32-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-8c956c5a32-35714517

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Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns can help mitigate wildfire risks

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10562/prescribed-burns.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=6c5e2be275-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-6c5e2be275-35714517

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Fertilizer Prices: What Can We Expect in 2025?

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/01/02/fertilizer-prices-what-can-we-expect-in-2025

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Fewer Cows in 2025

https://southernagtoday.org/2025/01/02/fewer-cows-in-2025

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UGA Forage Extension Team

In the 02/05/2025 edition:

Winter Forages
Winter Annual Forage Variety Selection
Fall Armyworm Resources
“We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” -Thomas Fuller
Forage Insect Pests

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Weed control programs for conventional field corn

https://ugaweedscience.blogspot.com

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Ryegrass Haylage

200 bales of ryegrass haylage for sale.  60 dollars a bale.  Large quantities cheaper.

Ralph Caldwell

ralphcaldwell@att.net

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, February 10, 2025

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

9 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

Hiring Market Manger

Currently taking applications for our Summer Market Manager. Details are at the Website here:

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

MARKET IS MOVING!!

Moving to 120 Highway 27 North, just north of Alabama Street in Downtown Carrollton. It is the parking lot next to and behind Moore’s Chapel Church. It backs up to the newly expanded City Water Park.  New location starting on March 22

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West Georgia Beekeepers Association

Our monthly meeting will be held in-person at:

American Legion Post 145

13141 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134

Thursday, February 20, 2025

6:30 p.m.  – Mentoring Session

7:00 p.m.  –  Meeting

Guest speaker for February is:

Keith Golden

Owner and Founder,  Golden Bee Farm

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Carroll County Young Farmers

Managing Hive Populations for the Honey Flow, featuring David Bailey of Ally Honey Bees.

Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, this event will provide valuable insights on optimizing hive health and productivity for the honey flow season.

Date: Tuesday, March 4

Location: Carroll County Agricultural Center, 900 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA 30116

Time: 6:00 PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and connect with fellow beekeepers and farmers in our community!

RSVP Today! Click Here to Register.

https://www.carrollyoungfarmers.com/events-1/honeyflow

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

1075 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

678-378-7116

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2025 Spore to Store Mushroom Symposium

March 7, 2025 from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM on the UGA Griffin Campus.

This symposium will feature the latest mushroom research as well as include speakers from the Georgia Grown Program and Food Product, Innovation, and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC). You can find the full speaker schedule on the symposium website.  We have invited mushroom producers and buyers throughout the state as well as urban chefs and culinary arts professionals. 

Registration for this event can be found here: https://spore2store.org/

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Date and time: 8:30am – 3:30pm, March 13, 2025

Location: Georgia Southern University, 10449 US Hwy 301, Statesboro, GA 30458

Keynote speaker: Connie Baptiste, Owner of Hunter Family Farm and 2023 Woman Veteran of the Year

For more information and to register go to https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/timely-topics/Rural/farm-stress-conference.html

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Atlanta, Ga – Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a second commercial poultry flock in Elbert County, Georgia. This is the second detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia, and the sixth detection overall since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. While the current suspension of poultry activities remains in place, retail sales of poultry products like meat and eggs as well as poultry production and processing operations are not impacted by the suspension. More information on suspended activities is available here, and notifications will be issued when the suspension is lifted. The Department was notified of a second positive result by Georgia Poultry Lab Network on Friday, January 17th, 2025. That detection enabled GDA staff to initiate operations on the ground without waiting to receive additional confirmation from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). Additional confirmation through NVSL is needed before an HPAI event is publicly announced, and that confirmation was received from NVSL late in evening on January 21, 2025.

“HPAI remains a serious threat to our state’s economy, Georgia’s #1 industry, and the health and safety poultry in our state, and our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture responded immediately to start depopulation, disposal, and cleaning & disinfecting operations,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The close proximity of the affected premises allowed our team to respond to both cases concurrently, and while those operations continue, our law enforcement officers are maintaining a secure perimeter to prevent further spread. I want to thank our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our partners, who have been working 12+ hour days during a holiday weekend in the bitter cold to protect our state’s #1 industry and the farm families who fuel its success.”

On Friday, January 17th, 2025, samples that were collected from a commercial poultry operation for routine, premovement testing by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network returned a positive result for HPAI. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the HPAI positive result was confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The premises, referred to as Elbert 02, is located approximately 210 yards away from Elbert 01, the initially affected location. Elbert 02 had approximately 130,000 broilers onsite.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management & State Agricultural Response Team deployed immediately to the initially affected premises (Elbert 01) and expanded to include Elbert 02 to conduct depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfecting operations. Operations occurred concurrently due to the close physical proximity and the positive detection at the Georgia Poultry Lab Network of the second location. Depopulation of Elbert 01 and Elbert 02 was completed in the initial 48 hours after detection. Disposal and cleaning & disinfecting operations are ongoing, and Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement officers continue to maintain a secure perimeter around the affected premises.

Animal disease response protocols require immediate action when HPAI is detected to successfully mitigate further spread of the disease. In the case of Elbert 02, a positive result from the Georgia Poultry Lab Network enabled the Georgia Department of Agriculture to initiate operations on the ground without waiting on confirmatory results from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. However, further confirmation of HPAI by NVSL is needed prior to a case being announced publicly in Georgia. While NVSL testing will provide additional information on the HPAI virus involved in these cases, the additional information does not change the Department’s protocol and need to initiate an immediate response.

All commercial poultry operations within a 10 Kilometer (6.2 mile) radius remain under quarantine and will continue to undergo increased surveillance testing for a period of at least two weeks. Given the close proximity of Elbert 01 and Elbert 02, an additional quarantine radius was not required and a permit from the Department is needed to move poultry and poultry products moving into, out of, and within the control area. 

The suspension of poultry activities for sales (auction market, flea market, or other livestock market), shows, swaps, meet ups, and exhibitions involving live birds remains in effect until further notice. Retail sales of poultry products like meat and eggs as well as poultry production and processing operations are not impacted by the suspension.

Do You Have Hay For Sale?

I am starting to get calls/emails from folks looking for hay to purchase. If you have hay to sell send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will share your information with potential clients.

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Does anyone have chicken litter for sale?

I have someone looking to get a dump truckload of chicken litter for their large 80’x 120’ vegetable garden.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Detected in Georgia

https://site.extension.uga.edu/viticulture/2024/11/invasive-spotted-lanternfly-detected-in-georgia/

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FFAR Research Addresses On-Farm Bird Flu Outbreaks Linked to Wild Waterfowl

FFAR Research Addresses On-Farm Bird Flu Outbreaks Linked to Wild Waterfowl

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Poultry in Motion

https://discover.caes.uga.edu/poultry-in-motion/index.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=5f14c02609-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-5f14c02609-35714517

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That’s the spirit!

Wheat breeders spend years meticulously crossing varieties to coax the best traits out of each species, carefully propagating plant varieties that are healthier, heartier and better suited for the environments where they are grown. Professional brewmasters are equally painstaking when choosing the components that will give their beers a specific flavor profile.

https://discover.caes.uga.edu/thats-the-spirit/index.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=50f3b5fcd8-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-50f3b5fcd8-35714517

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UGA researchers study how free-range chickens influence farm sustainability

https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/scratching-the-surface/index.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=49b83fa8e2-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-49b83fa8e2-35714517

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Preparing For Your Preparer

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/10/01/preparing-for-your-preparer

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The Three Ps of Herd Expansion: Profit, Pasture and Patience

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/10/01/the-three-ps-of-herd-expansion-profit-pasture-and-patience

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Feeder Cattle Futures Prices

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/11/01/feeder-cattle-futures-prices

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A Look at the Hog Market

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/11/12/a-look-at-the-hog-market

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Urban Agriculture in the South: Addressing Food Insecurity and Social Inequality through Community Gardens

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/11/12/urban-agriculture-in-the-south-addressing-food-insecurity-and-social-inequality-through-community-gardens

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Forage-Related UGA Extension Bulletins

How to Use a Grazing Stick: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1567

Understanding Stocking Rate in Pasture Systems: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1568

All three Forage Production Guides are now available through Apple Books

Books are available in horizontal and vertical formats. Vertical links are below!

https://books.apple.com/us/book/bermudagrass-forage-guide-vertical-layout/id6478984629

https://books.apple.com/us/book/bahiagrass-forage-guide/id6503081870

https://books.apple.com/us/book/tall-fescue-forage-guide-vertical-format/id6503001109

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Georgia Farm Bureau has a fund for people to make monetary donations that will go directly to farm families in need. It is called Weathered But Strong and you can access the site at: https://www.gfb.org/hurricane-relief.

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell? Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc. Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone? Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here.

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, October 1, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

9 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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Flower Management and Propagation Program with Jennifer Logan of Whimsy Flower Farm!

Tuesday, December 3 @ 6:00 PM

Carroll County Young Farmer Meeting
Carroll County Agricultural Center, 900 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA

Come learn, grow, and connect with your local gardening community.

Register

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

678-378-7116

ryan.ayers@carrollcountyschools.com

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An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution

If you are an individual with a disability who may require assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or receive the benefit of a service, program, or activity of UGA, or if you desire more information, please contact us.

No endorsement of products is implied

Paula J. Burke
UGA Extension Carroll County

Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent

County Extension Coordinator
Carroll County Ag Center Department Head

Carroll County Cattlemens’s Association Secretary

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee Chair

NACAA Southern Region Director

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee celebrated the strong ties between local agriculture and the community at the 58th annual Farm-City Harvest Dinner, presented by NG Turf. The event, held to honor outstanding contributions to the agribusiness industry, highlighted the significance of agriculture to Carroll County’s economy and culture.

This year, the Chamber was proud to recognize the following award winners:

• Agribusiness of the Year: Farmer’s Pride Processing — for its dedication to quality and community, exemplifying leadership in the agricultural sector.
• Future of Ag Award: Kendall Powers of Powers Family Farm — celebrating Kendall’s innovative approach and commitment to the future of agriculture in Carroll County.
• Friend of Ag Award: Carroll EMC — acknowledging its ongoing support and advocacy for the agricultural community.

The Farm-City Harvest Dinner underscores the Chamber’s dedication to fostering connections between the agricultural community and local businesses, honoring those who help sustain and grow Carroll County’s rich farming heritage.

Carrollton, GA—In recent years, homesteading has become quite the trend, attracting individuals who want to increase in health and self-sufficiency but have little to no farming experience and minimal land. While a far cry from the romanticized lifestyle portrayed online, homesteading is an attainable way to produce and acquire organic foods and natural medicinal remedies. Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) welcomed founder of the Farmstead Forum, Emily Faulkner, at its biannual agribusiness seminar in October to explore the topic and share her personal homesteading journey.

Faulkner, a certified nurse practitioner and local to West Georgia, started shifting her mindset from consumer to producer after the coronavirus pandemic caused supply chain shortages and changes to healthcare. Since, she has gradually expanded her homestead to include herbs, vegetables, grapevines and more recently, meat rabbits.

“My best advice to you is to start small,” shared Faulkner. “So if you fail, you fail small and don’t fail big. Maybe start out with the goal to produce 25% of the food you consume annually. Many people get into it thinking they can have total control over their food supply which is really hard to do.”

However, homesteading is more than just producing one’s own food according to Faulkner and big-name homesteader, Joel Salatin. It is a heart desire to restore the home as the focus, and that can be done through simple things like preserving food, conserving water, composting and even repurposing or thrifting. 

“It’s whatever you can make at home instead of going out and buying it,” added Faulkner.

As with anything at the mercy of mother nature, homesteading is not an easy feat but well worth the benefits it gives us and returns to the environment. It is a lifestyle that takes time to adjust to and plenty of trial-and-error to get right. To better equip herself, Faulkner completed an herbal fellowship course and master gardener program that not only increased her knowledge but also grew her community.  

“Don’t lose heart. Practice makes perfect, so you’re going to make mistakes,” she said. “The good thing is you can always learn from other people. Just get as much information as you can, so that you can set yourself up for success.”

Carroll EMC’s agribusiness seminars are hosted biannually in the spring and fall to engage with local farmers and discuss relevant industry topics. Visit carrollemc.com/agribusiness to learn more about the cooperative’s support of agriculture.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 55,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

    Take hay inventory NOW!  Do you have enough for the winter? Purchase early as hay availability will decrease and become more costly as winter comes.

    Reduce your animal stocking rate.  If you need to cull, do it now.

    Identify best supplementation options with commodities.  Hay alone will most likely not be sufficient for your livestock since our pasture are poor or nonexistent.  Decide what supplement you need to feed.  Have a hay test done – call me and Merrill to come out to do your hay tests.

    Don’t plant your winter annuals until you get some moisture in the ground.  You still have time into November, the earlier the better though.

    Check out this video on Managing Forages in Drought conditions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7oHT3NBsGs

Forage-Drought-related publications

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1323&title=drought-management-strategies-for-beef-cattle

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=SB51&title=drought-related-cattle-feeding-problems

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C914&title=forage-use-and-grazing-herd-management-during-a-drought

Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows

Keep an eye on your animals body condition

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1308&title=body-condition-scoring-beef-cows

Foxtail

The never ending battle on this weed!

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1464&title=foxtail-identification-and-control-in-georgia-pastures-and-hayfields

Understanding and Improving Forage Quality

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1425&title=understanding-and-improving-forage-quality

How to take, interpret, and utilize a forage sample

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1287&title=unless-you-test-its-just-a-guess-how-to-take-interpret-and-utilize-a-forage-sample

Baleage: Frequently Asked Questions

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1508&title=baleage-frequently-asked-questions

The 3rd annual Beef Festival will be held to promote the beef cattle industry in Carroll County and the greater West Georgia area on Saturday, October 19 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Carroll County Ag Center located at 900 Newnan Road in Carrollton.  The festival will feature a Beef Chili Cook-off, live cattle display and working demonstration, farm-related vendors, kid’s activities, hay rides, and face painting.  Have lunch at the event with beef hamburgers and hotdog plates for $5, $7 brisket sandwiches, and Carroll County 4-H’s famous lemonade.  To enter the Beef Chili Cook-Off contest, bring your award-winning chili in a crockpot and a half table will be available for set up to sample per contestant.  Entry is $10 and prizes will be awarded.  Donations of pet food, livestock food, farming-related supplies, non-perishable food, and bottled water will be collected for Hurricane Helene relief efforts during the event.  For more information contact UGA Extension Carroll County at 770-836-8546.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

UGA Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Victoria Presnal accepted in to UGA’s Extension Academy for Professional Excellence program 

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10488/extension-academy-for-professional-excellence.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawFqX2NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTGzBqG6n0b3bX2GT1dqVb7VFsKEJp7uWDJH8pPWBCiFcwgMka3kviqzRw_aem_zorzlu-AV2A2UIenehoTDw

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Hurricane Helene: First Ag Damage Reports Are Bleak

Hurricane Helene: First Ag Damage Reports Are Bleak

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Hurricane Helene Impacts on Georgia

https://southeastagnet.com/2024/09/30/hurricane-helene-impacts-on-georgia/?_fl_id=2473fb88-ec65-460e-bd66-29704e1be84a&&em=cGpidXJrZUB1Z2EuZWR1&utm_campaign=Southeast+AgNet+This+Week+10-2-2024

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Contract Broilers Growers Could See Changes in Their Pay Arrangements

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/contract-broilers-growers-could-see-changes-in-their-pay-arrangements

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Seasonal Price Trends & Inventory

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/seasonal-price-trends-amp-inventory

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Event Ideas on the Farm: Pop-Up Festivals
Many farms are always on the lookout for unique ideas to introduce new customers to their farm.  Many farms hold regular weekend festivals focused on a particular crop or offering, but have you thought about doing a one-time event with a different focus to attract a new audience? Read more.

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Increase in PRF Adoption in the Southern Region

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/increase-in-prf-adoption-in-the-southern-region

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Georgia Hemp Farming Act in effect Oct. 1

Georgia Hemp Farming Act in effect Oct. 1

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CAES combats invasive spotted lanternfly threatening U.S. farms and vineyards

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10487/spotted-lanternfly-control.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=a9440b10bd-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-a9440b10bd-35714517

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Cattle on Feed and Record High August Fed Cattle Weights

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/cattle-on-feed-and-record-high-august-fed-cattle-weights

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Georgia vegetable production may expand as a result of climate change

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10479/expanding-vegetable-production.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=4e2de03c34-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-4e2de03c34-35714517

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Selecting the Correct Sire: Practical Tips for the Fall Sale Season

With the fall bull sale season approaching, it is important to acknowledge that our sire selection this fall will shape the herd’s genetic merit for years to come, making it essential to invest in sires with proven genetic value. This article provides a practical review of how cattle producers can evaluate the genetic merit of bulls.

Selecting the Correct Sire: Practical Tips for the Fall Sale Season

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Empowering the Next Generation: The Perks of Paying Your Farm Kids

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/empowering-the-next-generation-the-perks-of-paying-your-farm-kids

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Looking for Farm Work

Grayson Nichols

404-695-9783

Graysonalex.n@gmail.com

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, October 1, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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Sunbelt Ag Expo – October 15-17

https://sunbeltexpo.com

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West GA Cattlewomen’s Chapter Meeting

Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm

At the Carroll County Ag Center

For more information contact President Lauren Holland

LHolland1873@gmail.com

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GDA Clean Day Scheduled

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce our next Clean Day pesticide waste collection event. The event will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the UGA Griffin Campus from 9:00am – 3:00pm. This event is free and open to all statewide commercial/private applicators, commercial contractors, and the pest control industry. Dealers are invited and will be charged an additional cost per pound.

Pesticide Clean Day Event – Spalding County | Georgia Department of Agriculture

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The Farmer’s Feed – UGA Extension Carroll County Ag E-Newsletter, September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

UGA Forage Extension Team
Fall Armyworm Resources
“We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” -Thomas Fuller
Forage Insect Pests
Managing Internal Parasites in Ruminants through Better Grazing Practices
How to make a weed control plan for pastures and hayfields

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Celebrating 45 years of Georgia Master Gardeners

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10476/master-gardener-anniversary.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=45867cb84b-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-45867cb84b-35714517

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Devastating Strawberry Disease a Big Concern for Nursery Growers

https://www.growingproduce.com/crop-protection/disease-control/devastating-strawberry-disease-a-big-concern-for-nursery-growers/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews08282024&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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5 ‘Farming-fluencers’ You Need To Be Following

https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/marketing/5-farming-fluencers-you-need-to-be-following/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews08282024&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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Land Ownership and the Preservation of Family Farm Legacies

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/08/01/land-ownership-and-the-preservation-of-family-farm-legacies

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Cell Cultured Meat

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/12/cell-cultured-meat

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Southern Pine Beetles active across multiple Georgia Counties

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/southern-pine-beetles-active-across-multiple-georgia-counties/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes091124

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More than 400 Cases of Salmonella Linked to Backyard Poultry

https://southeastagnet.com/2024/09/06/400-cases-salmonella-linked-backyard-poultry/?_fl_id=51e1acfd-3a3d-4185-9e00-3afcc1073f49&&em=cGpidXJrZUB1Z2EuZWR1&utm_campaign=Southeast+AgNet+This+Week+9-11-2024

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Lower Interest Rates Create Opportunities for Managing Debt on the Farm

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/02/lower-interest-rates-create-opportunities-for-managing-debt-on-the-farm

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Inventories, Weather, and Local Hay Markets

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/02/inventories-weather-and-local-hay-markets

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Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook: Grazing, Hunting, and Livestock Leases: If you are leasing land–whether as a landowner or tenant, we’ve got the book for you! This handbook focuses on legal and economic issues related to grazing, hunting and livestock leases. To get a free PDF, click here.

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Hunting Leases and Rural Land

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/09/02/hunting-leases-and-rural-land

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Where’s the Beef? Legal & Economic Considerations for Direct Beef Sales: Whether you are just considering adding direct beef sales to your operation or you’ve been involved in selling beef directly to the consumer for years, this handbook is for you! To download your free PDF, click here.  

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Factors to Consider When Producing Muscadines

https://specialtycropgrower.com/georgia-uga-muscadines-conner/?_fl_id=51e1acfd-3a3d-4185-9e00-3afcc1073f49&&em=cGpidXJrZUB1Z2EuZWR1&utm_campaign=Specialty+Crop+Grower+This+Week+9-3-2024

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U.S. Beef Imports: A Quick Look at Recent Trends

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/08/01/u-s-beef-imports-a-quick-look-at-recent-trends

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

10 rolls of hay

$25.00 per roll.

John Weaver

johnmackweaver@gmail.com

Property For Sale

This property is between Carrollton and Mount Zion about a mile east of John Tanner Park on Highway 16. There’s a nice creek across the length of the back of the property.

https://www.georgiamls.com/2994-mt-zion-road-carrollton-ga-30117/10306875

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, September 10, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

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Carroll County Younger Farmers No Till Drill Training

Tuesday, September 17 @ 6:00 PM 

No-Till Drill Training/ Seed Inoculation

Speaker: Ryan Ayers

Location: 340 Potts Rd 

Roopville, GA 30170

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

1075 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

678-378-7116

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West GA Cattlewomen’s Chapter Meeting

Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 pm

At the Carroll County Ag Center

Hailey Partain, UGA Extension Lamar/Upson County

Cattle Educational Trunks

For more information contact President Lauren Holland

LHolland1873@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

Sunbelt Ag Expo – October 15-17

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Farm to City Harvest Dinner – October 29

West Georgia Beef Tour – November 1 & 2

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August 22 and 23, 2024

Join the count! Interested in joining our count this year? The census is designed for citizens of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida of all ages to participate. We encourage school groups, gardeners, families and individuals to be a part of the project. You do not need to be an entomologist to partake.

Go to this link for all of the details. https://gsepc.org/

The pollinator count can be done in your own backyard, visit a local park, or make a trip to the Buffalo Creek Garden located at the Carroll County Ag Center property (next to the 911 building).

by: Paula J. Burke, UGA Extension Carroll County

There are still reports coming in about armyworms in Carroll County. Our first sighting was in early July.  Here is some recent info from our forage specialist Dr. Lisa Baxter:

Fall armyworms exist in multiple life cycles, so there may be multiple generations on your farm. Remember: our insecticide options only work on fall armyworms when they are 1/8 to 3/4” long caterpillars! Outside of that window, harvesting or mowing is the best option.

“What can I do for big worms?” Answer: Mow ASAP, the insecticides won’t work.

“How long do I have to continue to treat for the fall armyworm?” Answer: Fall armyworms are most common in August and September until our temperatures start to decrease and slow the spread. Keep scouting and treating where appropriate, we probably have another month of this battle!

You are invited to stop by the Carroll County Ag Center located at 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton for our 2^nd annual 4-H Livestock Camp on July 22-26.  The camp goes from 9-3 pm each day (except Tuesday).  You are welcome to stop by any time during the week.  The highlight of the week will be on Friday when we have a mock show of the 21 kids showing the different animals – cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.  The show will be sometime around 10 am-12 pm.  Join us for lunch at the end of the show.  Our 4-H Agent Rebekah Claar has done a fantastic job planning this year’s camp and the whole Extension team is involved in this fun and educational week for the kids. 

On Tuesday, July 23 from 3-7 pm we will be holding our 3^rd annual Extension Fest.  See the flyer below.  Hope you can stop by and see us and all of our volunteers!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Maps for Acreage Reporting Are Available

Maps are now available at the Carroll County FSA Office for acreage reporting purposes. If you wish to receive your maps by e-mail, please call our office at 770-834-2097 ext. 2 or stop by the office at 1003 Newnan RD, STE 301, Carrollton, GA  30116.

Please see the following acreage reporting deadlines for Carroll-Coweta-Douglas-Fulton-Haralson-Heard-Meriwether-Paulding-Troup Counties:

• July 15th, 2024:  ALL CROPS

In order to maintain program eligibility and benefits, you must file timely acreage reports. Failure to file an acreage report by the crop acreage reporting deadline may cause ineligibility for future program benefits. FSA will not accept acreage reports provided more than a year after the acreage reporting deadline.

Producers are encouraged to file their acreage reports as soon as planting is completed.”

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New Boom Sprayer Calibration video

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Fall Armyworm and Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Update

It’s that time of year again! The bermudagrass stem maggot is steadily moving north in our state and also sporadic reports of fall armyworms in the state.

This resource is available to everyone on both pests: https://site.extension.uga.edu/forageteam/2024/06/forage-insect-pests/

New Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Management Guide: https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20269

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Management Video: https://youtu.be/jpA3RwmYHu4

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Management CEU class credit: https://education.sciencesocieties.org/topclass/login.do

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New Record High Cattle Prices

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/new-record-high-cattle-prices

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A Cattle On Feed Preview

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/a-cattle-on-feed-preview

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Incorporating Conservation Practices into Leases

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/incorporating-conservation-practices-into-leases

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Government Incentives for Agricultural Generational Transfer?

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/is-there-a-role-for-the-government-in-incentivizing-the-generational-transfer-of-agricultural-operations

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Estate Transition Planning

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/estate-transition-planning

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The Relative Value of Bred Cows

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/06/06/the-relative-value-of-bred-cows

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USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers to Help Offset On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for 2024 and 2025

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USDA Announces July 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

FARM RELATED FOR SALE/WANTED/OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have something farm-related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, hay, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Are you looking for a ag-related job or want to hire someone?  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here. 

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, June 25, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

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Cotton Mill Farmers Market

Every Saturday

8 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

***

Raising Backyard Chickens

Learn the basics of having chickens on your homestead with Ag Agent Paula Burke.

Wednesday, July 10

5:30 pm – 7 pm

At Carroll County Ag Center

900 Newnan Road, Carrollton

$20 and includes materials, door prizes, and dinner.

Call 770-836-8546 to register.

SAVE THE DATE

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 7

Sunbelt Ag Expo – October 15-17

Beef Festival – October 19

West Georgia Beef Tour – November 1 & 2

Raising Backyard Chickens

Learn the basics of having chickens on your homestead with Ag Agent Paula Burke.

Wednesday, July 10

5:30 pm – 7 pm

At Carroll County Ag Center

900 Newnan Road, Carrollton

$20 and includes materials, door prizes, and dinner.

Call 770-836-8546 to register.

Due to a lack of registration, we have canceled the West GA Equine Symposium on June 29. 

We plan to have it earlier in the year in 2025. 

Paula J. Burke
UGA Extension Carroll County

The lack of rain right now and high temperatures have already affected some pastures in the area.  It got me thinking about issues related to summer, potential drought and having enough forage for your animals.  Practice rotational grazing as best you can, rest your pastures, decrease your stocking rate per acre if you can, and is it time to sell some cattle (prices are high!).  Take a look at a few publications and resources that I think are timely if you have livestock.

Let me know if you have questions or need help. 

Paula

Forage-Drought-related publications

No predictions yet, but be prepared for drought.  The last few years in the fall months have been bad.  We need rain now as well.

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1323&title=drought-management-strategies-for-beef-cattle

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=SB51&title=drought-related-cattle-feeding-problems

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C914&title=forage-use-and-grazing-herd-management-during-a-drought

Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows

Keep an eye on your animals body condition summer and winter

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1308&title=body-condition-scoring-beef-cows

Managing Bermudagrass Stem Maggots

No reports yet but they are always here come July/August.

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1484&title=managing-bermudagrass-stem-maggots

Foxtail

The never ending battle on this weed!

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1464&title=foxtail-identification-and-control-in-georgia-pastures-and-hayfields

Understanding and Improving Forage Quality

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1425&title=understanding-and-improving-forage-quality

How to take, interpret, and utilize a forage sample

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1287&title=unless-you-test-its-just-a-guess-how-to-take-interpret-and-utilize-a-forage-sample

Baleage: Frequently Asked Questions

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1508&title=baleage-frequently-asked-questions

Don’t forget we can come out and pull hay tests for Carroll County farmers.

Fire Ants

We have a fire ant bait spreader available for loan in Carroll County if you want to treat your land.

Managing Fire Ants with Baits

https://ant-pests.extension.org/broadcast-baits-for-fire-ant-control

Fire Ant Management for Pastures & Hayfields webinar

Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. FSA is now accepting applications, and organic producers and handlers should apply for OCCSP by the Oct. 31, 2024, deadline for eligible expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. FSA will issue payments as applications are received and approved.

OCCSP was part of a broader organic announcement made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 15, 2024, which also included the Organic Market Development Grant program and Organic Transition Initiative.

Eligible Applicants, Expenses and Categories

OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

Cost share assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments and postage. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees (California only).

How to Apply

To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses. OCCSP applications can also be submitted through participating state departments of agriculture.  For more information, visit the OCCSP webpage.

Opportunity for State Departments of Agriculture

FSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP. FSA posted a funding opportunity summary on grants.gov and will electronically mail the Notice of Funding Opportunity to all eligible state departments of agriculture. Applications are due July 12, 2024.

If a state department of agriculture chooses to participate in OCCSP, both the state department of agriculture and FSA county offices in that state will accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. Producers or handlers can receive OCCSP assistance from either FSA or the participating state department of agriculture but not both.

More Information

USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing and conservation. For more information on organic agriculture, visit farmers.gov/organic.

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

Carroll County is excited to announce Merrill Folsom has joined their team as their Agricultural Educator.  In his new role, Merrill will work along side Agricultural Agent Paula Burke to bring ag-related educational programs, information, and resources to the Carroll County farming community. The Carroll County Extension office, located at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center, is a partnership of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners and the University of Georgia to provide unbiased researched based information in the areas of agriculture, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences to assist the citizens of Carroll County.

Merrill is no stranger to Carroll County.  He has resided in Villa Rica for the last 24 years and worked in Carroll County.  Early in his career, he was a livestock feed additive salesman in North Carolina for two years.  For 34.5 years he worked with the Farm Credit System with North Georgia Farm Credit, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, and the last 14 years at AgSouth Farm Credit in Carrollton.   During his tenure, he had the great opportunity to serve farmers of Carroll County with their farm and agricultural financial needs.

Merrill graduated from the University of Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Ag Economics, The Clemson Ag Finance School and the Georgia Agrileader Leadership Forum.  In his spare time, he is a partner in a small cow-calf and hay operation raising Charolais Cattle in Winston, Georgia with his father-in-law Harold Parr. He is married to Nannette Folsom for the last 26 years and they have 3 children; Abbey, Hammond and Parr. 

During his Farm Credit career, Merrill says “we had no better supporter than the Extension Service.  They were huge in my career to assist us in doing our job as lenders for the farmers we served.  I look forward to continuing my career with Carroll County and UGA Extension and I am thankful for the opportunity.”  

Dr. Nancy C. Hinkle, Entomologist,

Univ. of Georgia, Athens – NHinkle@uga.edu

Everybody knows that this summer we will have dog-day cicadas (annual cicadas) singing every evening. But this year, millions of periodical cicadas will be emerging in Georgia during the spring before Memorial Day. Brood XIX (“Brood 19”) is Georgia’s only 13-year cicada and this is the largest periodical cicada brood in North America, “The Great Southern Brood,” covering at least a dozen states in the Southeast.

Periodical cicadas are found only in the eastern U.S., nowhere else in the world. The rest of the world has annual cicadas just as we do (the ones that emerge after June every year). Periodical cicadas have black bodies, red eyes, and clear orange-tinted wings. And periodical cicadas are perfectly harmless – they cannot bite or sting and they are not poisonous. They are harmless to plants (except small trees that have been planted this year – so don’t plant any trees before June 1^st), and do not transmit any diseases.

What will happen?

Periodical cicada nymphs (“babies”) live below ground for 12 years and 11 months. They have been living underground, sucking sap from tree roots since 2011. They feed only on deciduous (hardwood) tree roots. So you won’t find them under pines (pine sap has turpentine in it – would you want to drink pine sap?).

If the mature tree wasn’t there 13 years ago, there will be no Brood XIX feeding on its roots. If the tree is cut down, all the cicada nymphs feeding on its roots die.

So, after almost 13 years of being underground, these cicada nymphs all emerge from the ground in one month. How do they know to do that? No one knows.

The typical periodical cicada lives as an adult only a couple of weeks. The majority of them will emerge by mid-May and almost all of them will be dead by the first week of June.

The cicada nymph typically emerges from the ground at night (to avoid predators), climbs up a tree trunk, and hooks its claws into the bark. The skin along its back splits and the adult emerges through this slit. The newly-emerged adult cicada spreads its wings; once the wings dry, the cicada is able to fly. By daylight, most of them are flying up into the tree tops.

Only male cicadas sing, and they sing only to lure in a female, beginning their chorus as the sun warms them.

Once the female is attracted, she approaches the male, and they mate. Then the female must find the end of a tree branch in which to lay her eggs. She inserts the tip of her abdomen under the bark near the end of a branch and deposits her eggs between the wood and flexible bark. Soon thereafter the adult cicadas die.

A month or two later the cicada eggs hatch and the nymphs emerge from under the bark and fall to the ground. They burrow into the soil and find a tree root, insert their mouthparts and start sucking root sap.

Injury to the branch tip due to egg-laying may produce leaf death, causing browning, a condition called “flagging.” Eventually this part will dry up and fall off, a natural pruning that protects the tree from winter damage due to ice and snow weight on these tender branches.

Meanwhile, the nymphs are underground, feeding on root sap, and growing for almost 13 years. Somehow they know when 13 years later they are supposed to emerge, and they all come out within a month of one another to maximize the chance of finding a mate.

Such massive numbers also means that predators cannot eat them all, ensuring some survive to reproduce.

Bodies of dead cicadas fall into lakes to feed fish and to the ground to nourish wildlife; those not consumed will decompose and fertilize the soil.

Periodical cicadas are harmless. They cannot bite or sting. They are not poisonous, so anything can eat them (even deer). Dogs may gorge on them and vomit them up (too much roughage at one time). But they will then resume eating cicadas.

Cicadas make great cat toys. They make noise; they spin across the floor when you bat them. Hours of cheap entertainment.

Humans can eat cicadas; they’re like softshell crab. So it is important to harvest them while they are still soft, before their skin hardens. Go out very early in the morning, before dawn, and collect newly-emerged adults that have just come out of their nymphal skins. Remove the legs and wings. Sautee them in garlic butter and serve hot. Recipes can be found online.

Weeks after all Brood XIX have died off, tree branch tips may turn brown and fall off where the cicada eggs were laid. This is harmless. In fact it is beneficial to the tree, “Nature’s Pruning Service.” Next winter there will be less risk of ice damage because the weak branch tips have been removed.

Periodical cicadas are not pests and there is no need to attempt to control them. Again, most of them will be dead in a couple of weeks. Use this opportunity to teach your kids and grandkids about how cicadas aerate the soil, recycle nutrients, and foster environmental health.

Download the iNaturalist app and report cicada sightings. Be the first to report Brood XIX in your county!

Periodical cicadas are not locusts (locusts are grasshoppers); cicadas are more closely related to aphids (though they are very different).

Periodical cicadas come out in the spring; annual cicadas come out in the summer and fall. Any cicada you see before June is a periodical cicada; any cicada you see after June is an annual cicada. Periodical cicadas have black bodies and red eyes; their clear wings are tinted orange.  Annual cicadas are larger than periodical cicadas and typically have green bodies with black eyes. Annual cicadas (“dog day cicadas”) emerge every year.

Only male cicadas sing and they sing only during the day; anything you hear at night is probably crickets, katydids, or frogs.

Brood XIX cicadas have been verified in 75 Georgia counties (during their last emergence in 2011). No Brood XIX have ever been reported from the Atlanta metro area (habitat has been destroyed, so all populations died out when trees were cut down, the ground was bulldozed, and the area was paved). Report any periodical cicada sightings at iNaturalist.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Derby Days: 150 Years of the Kentucky Derby

https://www.morningagclips.com/derby-days-150-years-of-the-kentucky-derby

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May Beef Month Kicks Off in Georgia

May Beef Month Kicks Off in Georgia

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Gov. Kemp signs legislation supporting Georgia Agriculture

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-supporting-georgia-agriculture/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes050224

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Expecting a Large Number of Cicadas

Expecting a Large Number of Cicadas

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Georgia Strawberry Diseases Widespread, Devastating

Georgia Strawberry Diseases Widespread, Devastating

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Resources for Farmers Under Stress and People Who Care About Them

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Food and fiber production adds $18 billion to Georgia’s economy

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10409/georgia-farm-gate-value-report.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=0beae370f0-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-0beae370f0-35714517

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USDA Announces May 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

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Trade’s Importance to Southern Agriculture

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/05/01/trades-importance-to-southern-agriculture

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UGA Forage Extension Team

New Forage Resources Available
What makes it “Good” Hay?
How Do I Control the Thistles in My Pasture?
Alfalfa in the South Workshop
Proactive Forage Management for Grazing Success

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New Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Management Guide and Video Abstract

Please click the links below to access these all-new resources published open access through Crop, Forage, and Turfgrass Management. This resource contains updated graphics compared to the previously published Extension bulletin.

Guide: https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20269

Video: https://youtu.be/jpA3RwmYHu4

CEU class credit: https://education.sciencesocieties.org/topclass/login.do

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Bermudagrass Production Guide now available through Apple Books

The first of our three production guides is now available for free download through Apple Books. Fescue and Bahiagrass books should be published by the end of the month

https://books.apple.com/us/book/bermudagrass-forage-guide-vertical-layout/id6478984629

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Demand for Meat Goats Continues to Grow

Demand for Meat Goats Continues to Grow

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University of Georgia | Research Professional Weather Network (ugajobsearch.com)

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applicants for the position of Weather Network Technician for the UGA Mesonet, a research-grade weather and climate monitoring network that supports agriculture and public safety across the State of Georgia. The UGA Weather Network is a statewide network consisting of 90 automated environmental stations that collect, archive, and disseminate over one million observations annually. The Weather Network Technician will be the second of two full-time technicians responsible for maintaining the network of stations, including visiting the stations on a regular basis to assess station reliability, maintain the surface area around the station, rotate or replace instruments as needed to maintain data quality, calibrate equipment in the laboratory, and record all maintenance and calibration activities in databases for historical metadata. The weather network is housed in the Associate Dean of Extension’s office administratively and provides service to Extension and UGA. The network is currently housed on the UGA Griffin Campus in Griffin, GA, south of Atlanta.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Install, maintain, and repair weather stations and associated equipment.Collect and analyze weather data as requested by the director of the network.Maintain accurate records of metadata for weather network maintenance.Calibrate weather instruments on a regular schedule.Provide technical support to other weather network technicians.Maintain supplemental instruments for NADP, UVB, and other agencies at Bledsoe Farms as an occasional backup other employee.Stay up to date on the latest weather technologies.

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Award-winning CAES podcast: Cultivating Curiosity

Please find below the latest episodes:

• Navigating food waste and loss in today’s world
• Sip, savor, succeed: Inside the Flavor of Georgia food contest
• Ripe for change: How climate shifts are shaping the future of peach farming

This podcast is dedicated to sharing a variety of stories from within our departments and units and serves to supplement existing CAES and UGA Extension communication platforms, including the CAES Newswire, the Almanac, and Cultivate. 

You can find episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and I encourage you to subscribe to get the latest episodes as soon as they are released. As a reminder, you can subscribe to all CAES updates here. 

Farm Related For Sale/Wanted/Opportunities

Do you have something farm related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here.

Looking for Land to Lease

Looking to lease some land for my longhorn breeding program. Yyoung first generation farmer/rancher. Willing to pay cash for annual leases or can trade fence work or repair work on vehicles.  Anywhere in Carrollton/Bremen/Roopeville area would be great but further out is fine as well.
andrew rouse a.rouse15@yahoo.com

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.
USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, April 30, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

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Tuesday, May 7 @ 6:00 PM 

Backyard Flock Management  

Speaker: Katie Holly- Purina

Location: Carroll County Agricultural Center, 

900 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA 30116

Sponsored by J Carl Cleaners

Please register by clicking the link: REGISTRATION

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

1075 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

678-378-7116

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Paraquat Training Webinars for May 2024. 

For anyone who needs certification or re-certification for Paraquat Handling. 

Paraquat Training Webinar Registration 2024

The registration link will require the following:  first and last name, email address, state, and certification license #. 

There is a mandatory quiz at the end of the webinar that will be conducted thru zoom.         

     Dates                                 Times

May 07, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 09, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 13, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 14, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 20, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 21, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 28, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM
May 30, 2024                    2:00-3:00 PM

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Getting the Best of Pests – Green Industry Webinar

DATE:  Thursday, May 16, 2024
TIME:  3:00 – 5:00 p.m. U.S. East Coast Time

Speakers and Titles:

Biological control of greenhouse pests- Dr. Erich Schoeller

This webinar will share biological control strategies that can be developed to manage greenhouse pests.

Emerging pests in ornamental nurseries – Dr. Brian Kunkel, University of Delaware

Dr. Kunkel will discuss the biology, dispersal, and management of emerging pests, such as spotted lanternfly and redheaded flea beetle problems in the ornamental nurseries. He will also discuss the host use patterns and chemical control approaches.
Registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on the day of the webinar.

Announcements will begin at 2:45 p.m. The webinar begins PROMPTLY at 3:00 p.m.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-gtbop-webinar-series-thursday-may-16-2024-registration-877363015397?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Keep Carroll Beautiful Spring Events

Household Hazardous Waste (May 18)

Paper Shredding (May 18)

About Us

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SAVE THE DATE

Extension Fest – July 23

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 7

Sunbelt Ag Expo – October 15-17

Beef Festival – October 19

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UGA Extension Carroll County staff held their 6^th annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner and presented awards to four deserving volunteers.  The Extension staff thanked their volunteers with a delicious Italian-themed meal to show their appreciation for all they give to the organization.  UGA Extension volunteers help staff meet the mission of Extension by providing unbiased, research-based information and programming to the Carroll County community in Agriculture, 4-H, and Family and Consumer Sciences.    

In 2023, volunteers helped in the following ways:

4-H Program – 27 coaches volunteering over 1,000 hours and 50 teachers encouraged 1,855 4-H’ers.

Master Gardeners – 71 volunteered 5,898 hours, 17,326 in-person contacts, 121,916 phone, email, newspaper contacts educating home gardeners.

Heritage Days – over 40 volunteers dedicated two days to teaching 900 students about our cultural heritage.

Ag Career Expo – 29 ag-related organizations, agencies, businesses, and colleges inspiring over 325 students to find a career in agriculture.

Family and Consumer Sciences Program – Over 30 hours by volunteers for food preservations and the healthy bear library classes.

This year’s awards were presented to:

Master Gardener of the Year – Linda Handyside

Friend of 4-H – Jeff Posey

Friend of FACS – Claire Crawford

Friend of Extension – Carroll EMC

We are HIRING! We are looking for an individual that loves to be in the community and has a passion for helping others. The work will be centered around nutrition education, and teaching others about food safety, food budgeting, cooking demos, and more!  This position has FULL TIME benefits with the University of Georgia that includes teacher retirement and a tuition assistance program.

Link to application: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/368507

For any questions, please contact our FACS Agent, Victoria Presnal at victoria.presnal1@uga.edu

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USDA designates 17 Georgia counties as disaster areas due to drought

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/usda-designates-17-georgia-counties-as-disaster-areas-due-to-drought/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes040424

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HPAI confirmed in dairy cows in multiple states and Texas egg farm

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/hpai-confirmed-in-dairy-cows-in-multiple-states-and-texas-egg-farm/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes040424

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HPAI cattle cases reported in more states; vets suggest new name

https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/hpai-cattle-cases-reported-in-more-states-vets-suggest-new-name/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes041724

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UGA Forage Extension Team

Alfalfa in the South Workshop

Proactive Forage Management for Grazing Success

Upcoming GrassMasters Series

Bale Grazing: A winter cattle feeding strategy

Minimizing Losses- Hay Storage & Feeding

Upcoming GrassMasters Series

Bale Grazing: A winter cattle feeding strategy

Minimizing Losses- Hay Storage & Feeding

Grazing Goats

Should I Establish Bahiagrass or Bermudagrass on my Farm?

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Proactive Forage Management for Grazing Success

https://site.extension.uga.edu/beef/2024/03/proactive-forage-management-for-grazing-success

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Three steps to save stressed pastures

https://hayandforage.com/article-4766-Three-steps-to-save-stressed-pastures.html

Beefenomics: Cattle Market Update – Higher Carcass Weights Support Beef Production Amid Lower Slaughter Numbers

https://site.extension.uga.edu/beef/2024/03/beefenomics-cattle-market-update-higher-carcass-weights-support-beef-production-amid-lower-slaughter-numbers

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Prospective Plantings, Feed Prices and Implications for Feeder Cattle Markets

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/04/02/https:/southernagtoday.org/2024/04/02/prospective-plantings-feed-prices-and-implications-for-feeder-cattle-markets/

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The Now and Later of Feedlot Inventories

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/04/02/the-now-and-later-of-feedlot-inventories

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Unless You Test, It’s Just a Guess: How to Take, Interpret, and Utilize a Forage Sample

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1287

Understanding Laboratory Wastewater Tests: II. Solids (TS, TSS, TDS, TVS, TFS)

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1276

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Muscadine Management Poster and 2024 updated IPM guide

https://site.extension.uga.edu/viticulture/2024/03/muscadine-management-poster-and-2024-updated-ipm-guide

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Consumer interest in sustainability should influence how retailers market local food

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10378/environmental-impact-of-food.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=173483d0b0-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-173483d0b0-35714517

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Community clean-ups are an important part of mosquito management

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10383/community-mosquito-management.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=c8ef444d7a-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-c8ef444d7a-35714517

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2024 Farm Stress Summit provides mental health resources for Georgia farm communities

https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/10393/2024-farm-stress-summit.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=5deba9f917-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-5deba9f917-35714517

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What a Pain in the Neck!

What a Pain in the Neck!

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Tax Considerations of Income and Expenses from Nontimber Forest Products

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/04/02/tax-considerations-of-income-and-expenses-from-nontimber-forest-products

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Potential Impacts of Key Bridge Collapse on the Agriculture Sector

https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/potential-impacts-of-key-bridge-collapse-on-the-agriculture-sector/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=afgenews04032024&oly_enc_id=6244A5802812J3Z

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UGA Extension protects family farms and sensitive species

https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/uga-extension-improves-land-stewardship/index.html?utm_source=CAES+Newswire&utm_campaign=502e8380eb-Newswire_Non_Media_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-502e8380eb-35714517

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UGA Weed Science Blog for a quick update about Roundup + Liberty for use in field corn.

https://ugaweedscience.blogspot.com

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USDA Partners with FarmRaise to Offer Educational Tools and Resources to Promote Financial Access and Equity for Agricultural Producers

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Chasing the Benefits of Agrivoltaics

https://southernagtoday.org/2024/04/02/https:/southernagtoday.org/2024/04/15/chasing-the-benefits-of-agrivoltaics/

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American Cicada “Apocalypse”

American Cicada “Apocalypse”

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It’s National Safe Digging Month!

The month of April is recognized by Congress across the U.S. as National Safe Digging Month (NSDM). It’s an important time to remember how critical it is to contact 811 at least a few days before putting a shovel, backhoe, auger, or deep tiller in the ground.

No matter how small a project may seem, it’s important to contact 811 to have the approximate location of buried utilities marked before breaking ground. A great resource for state-specific safe digging information is ClickBeforeYouDig.com. Click on your state to get information on when you need to contact 811 and how long your ticket will last. The website also provides contact information for each state 811 center.

Farm Related For Sale/Wanted/Opportunities

Do you have something farm related to sell?  Examples include: farm equipment, farm animals, livestock, etc.  Send me an email with the description of the item and other relative information and I will post it here.

Hay For Sale

Do you have hay for sale? Send me an email with the type of hay, the size and number of bales and whether or not you have an UGA Forage Quality Test Report on it and I will post it here.

Weekly hay market insights and commentary from USDA, market analysts, growers, and sellers.

USDA Weekly Hay Prices

Georgia Farm Bureau Hay Directory

https://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms

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Carroll County Livestock Sale Barn Report

AMS Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News

Georgia Dept of Ag Market News

Monday, April 16, 2024

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1949.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Cotton Mill Farmers Market

April 27

8 to 11 a.m. at 609 Dixie Street in Carrollton

All Local Farmers. Fresh Healthy Food. Rain or Shine.

www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org

     

Tuesday, May 7 @ 6:00 PM

Backyard Flock Management 

Speaker: Katie Holly- Purina

Location: Carroll County Agricultural Center,

900 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA 30116

Sponsored by J Carl Cleaners

Please register by clicking the link: REGISTRATION

Ryan Ayers

Young Farmer Adviser

Carroll County Schools

1075 Newnan Rd.

Carrollton, GA 30116

678-378-7116

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Getting the Best of Pests – Green Industry Webinar

DATE:  Thursday, May 16, 2024

TIME:  3:00 – 5:00 p.m. U.S. East Coast Time

Speakers and Titles:

Biological control of greenhouse pests- Dr. Erich Schoeller

This webinar will share biological control strategies that can be developed to manage greenhouse pests.

Emerging pests in ornamental nurseries – Dr. Brian Kunkel, University of Delaware

Dr. Kunkel will discuss the biology, dispersal, and management of emerging pests, such as spotted lanternfly and redheaded flea beetle problems in the ornamental nurseries. He will also discuss the host use patterns and chemical control approaches.

Registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on the day of the webinar.

Announcements will begin at 2:45 p.m. The webinar begins PROMPTLY at 3:00 p.m.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-gtbop-webinar-series-thursday-may-16-2024-registration-877363015397?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Keep Carroll Beautiful Spring Events

Household Hazardous Waste (May 18)

Paper Shredding (May 18)

About Us

SAVE THE DATE

Master Gardener Mother’s Day Plant Sale – May 11

Extension Fest – July 23

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival – September 7

Sunbelt Ag Expo – October 15-17

Beef Festival – October 19

Carrollton, GA—Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) was the place to be the evening of Thursday, April 11. Wild animals captivated an audience of both children and adults at the co-op’s biannual agribusiness seminar as “Ranger Nick” Fuhrman of the University of Georgia (UGA) brought out some cold-bloods that get a bad rap—reptiles and amphibians.

Farmers are in a near-constant struggle with wildlife that can damage crops, disrupt livestock or pose other challenges to their farming operations. While some are real threats, others are simply misunderstood. Ranger Nick, professor of Environmental Education in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA, is known for using animals as ambassadors, and his friends Sharon, Snowy and Sanford made special appearances during the keynote. The three-legged Eastern box turtle, albino corn snake and smiling salamander may seem of little value to the common person but Ranger Nick knows they serve a niche role in their ecosystems and even help with public speaking anxiety.

“They have helped many, many students at UGA overcome their fear of speaking in front of an audience,” said Ranger Nick. “I’ve seen a linebacker stand in front of a classroom holding Sharon with shaking hands, but by the end of the presentation, they had relaxed a bit.”  

His tactics were proven true as farmers, students, educators, business leaders and elected officials alike shared smiles and laughs as Ranger Nick told stories of how he came to adopt his “assistants.” He also offered simple reminders of safety to leave all snakes alone if unsure of their species and to check grassy areas for turtles before mowing.  

“This is so special to me,” he concludes. “All these animals and their stories, they are a part of my life. It’s what I do and what I love talking about. I am so thankful to talk about things I love and hopefully inspire folks to do something to help them.”

The cooperative will host another seminar in the fall centering on agricultural education. It is free of charge and open to the agricultural community and cooperative stakeholders. Details for registration will be shared later in the year.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 54,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture announced a presumptive positive case of HPAI on a NC dairy.  These cattle are currently asymptomatic and quarantined. For further information on this case, please read their announcement. This brings the total affected states to seven with cases in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina. Over 15 states have suspended or restricted importation of cattle from affected states.

Though there are no presumptive positive or confirmed positive cases currently in Georgia, officials are asking everyone to remain aware of how we can protect our farmers, our cows, and our consumers.  Although HPAI is being found in dairy cattle, beef cattle producers should be diligent and aware as well.

• Please be on the look out for these symptoms – decreased feed intake, decreased rumination, manure inconsistencies (tacky/dry to loose), decreased milk production with milk often becoming thick and discolored (colostrum like), and a persistent fever.  
• Report any symptomatic animals to your veterinarian as well as the GDA Animal Health team at (404) 656-3667.
• Biosecurity on farms is of utmost importance always but especially now.  Biosecurity measures encouraged include:
  • Cleanliness
    • When possible, disinfecting items used on or coming onto the farm
  • protect feed and water resources and clean containers regularly
  • limit access to farms and implementing boot wash or boot covers protocols for farm entry
  • restrict the movement of equipment and materials from other farms to designated areas on the farm
    • When possible and especially when restriction is not possible (i.e. milk trucks), implement tire washes as part of farm entry protocol
  • minimize contact with cattle from other farms and avoiding the introduction of novel animals, at least for the time being.
• Communicate with the consumer that pasteurized dairy products are protected by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and still safe to consume.