Recent Posts
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Severe and extreme drought afflicted much of the south last year, and 12 metro-Atlanta counties are still under level-2 drought conditions. Because of drought, this spring, we’re seeing delayed green-up in warm-season lawns and numerous issues with trees and shrubs, such as twig and branch dieback, poor flowering and fruiting, and plant death.
Posted in: ANR -
Rainfalls levels were below normal in Georgia during most of 2016, and much of northern Georgia is still experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions. While these areas have received rainfall, drought conditions are still predicted through May 2017 in northern Georgia. Agriculture, wildlife, and water quality resources have been negatively affect by the drought.
Posted in: ANR -
Finally! The days are getting longer and the weather is beginning to warm up! Spring is right around the corner. It is the time of year when one starts to think of all of the young fresh vegetables that will be available in the coming weeks to welcome the flowers as they begin to bloom, and the…
Posted in: FACS -
Forsythia are blooming beautifully around Forsyth County, and some of our early blooming trees and shrubs are budding out. In my yard, crocus and azaleas are blooming together. For many plants, however, the effects of last year’s record drought are becoming evident. Projections are that the drought will continue in March for the northern part…
Posted in: ANR -
Spinach was a “super food” long before super foods were trendy. Full of vitamins A, C and iron, the beautiful green leafy vegetable was first cultivated in Persia (modern day Iran) more than 2000 years ago. Popeye ate copious amounts that made his biceps “pop,” and children have made puckered faces for years at the…
Posted in: ANR -
John Chapman, an entrepreneur from Massachusetts, developed a forward-looking business model. He took a waste product that he could get for free, cultivated it over several years into a must-have item for other independent start-ups, and strategically positioned his sales outlets along developing travel routes.
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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, two-thirds of the state is experiencing D2 (severe) to D4 (exceptional) drought levels. The northwest counties have been in continuous severe drought for 23 weeks. In updates last week, climatologists from Alabama and Georgia indicated that we can expect drought conditions to persist for another three months.
Posted in: ANR -
Although our temperatures are still warm, the hours of sunlight are noticeably fewer these days. Short day length is one factor that triggers the fall migration of birds from their northern summer nesting grounds to warmer southern regions. Many of these migrating birds pass through Georgia, either following a route along the Blue Ridge Mountain…
Posted in: ANR -
Late last month, USDA’s National Veterinary Services confirmed that New World Screwworms are back in the United States. Screwworms are the larva, or maggots, of Cochliomyia hominivorax flies. While the maggots of other fly species provide an environmental cleaning service by feeding on dead and decaying animals, screwworms are unique because they eat living flesh.
Posted in: ANR -
Did you know that many Americans don’t get enough potassium in their diet? Potassium helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. While bananas get credit for providing dietary potassium, they’re only a runner up.
Posted in: FACS