Recent Posts
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Robyn Stewart Did you know that Georgia is the #1 state for pecan production in the United States? Typically, pecan harvest occurs between October and November for commercial orchards, but homeowners can often harvest year-round. Pecans are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as fiber—they make a good addition to any…
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Robyn Stewart About a decade ago, hay producers in Georgia began noticing a decline in their bermudagrass fields characterized by a bronze appearance. This bronze color was caused by the chlorosis and death of the top two to three leaves of the plant, which showed obvious evidence of insect damage and decay when examined more…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
Robyn Stewart According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 465 people in 42 states have contracted salmonella that was directly linked to their backyard flock or farm fresh eggs. Of the 465 people affected, 86 individuals were hospitalized, and one person in Oklahoma died. With COVID-19 resulting in lower food availability in…
Posted in: Food -
Robyn Stewart Summer in Georgia provides some of the best grazing opportunity for our cattle operations, but also presents the challenge of external parasites. External parasites can limit productivity and affect a producer’s bottom line if not managed appropriately. Animals with a high external parasite load will lose weight, reduce meat/milk production, transmit diseases, reduce…
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Robyn Stewart One of the most popular vegetable plants grown by home gardeners in Georgia is the tomato. Tomatoes are popular for a huge number of reasons, from taste, versatility, available varieties, and dietary benefits. Tomatoes are a great addition to any diet due to their high levels of antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and…
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Robyn Stewart One of my favorite views as I drive around Lincolnton are the numerous pastures filled with a wide variety of livestock including horses, goats, and cattle. I just wanted to bring a few reminders about feeding livestock during this time of year and stage of life for our producers. First things first, it’s…
Posted in: Animal Agriculture -
Robyn Stewart If you have spent any duration of time in the South, I’m sure you are well familiar with the unpleasant experience of getting bitten by fire ants. Fire ant hills are prevalent in almost every county in Georgia and can be seen in yards, pastures, alongside roads, and other places. There are two…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
Robyn Stewart I hope that you are still maintaining your social distancing and prioritizing the health of yourselves and your loved ones. With that said, I know many of us have started to enjoy time with close families and friends as Georgia starts reducing COVID restrictions on events and gatherings. The other day as I…
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Robyn Stewart An excessive amount of weeds in a pasture or hayfield can be unsightly and unattractive at best, and may also significantly decrease the quality and stand life of desirable forage species at worst. A weed is defined as any plant growing where you don’t want it to. For example, crabgrass growing in a…
Posted in: Forages -
Robyn Stewart I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately around soils for raised beds and home gardens. Unfortunately, most of these calls are coming 2-3 months after seeds have been planted, when nothing is growing and it’s clear there is an issue. While there are many reasons that plants won’t grow or thrive, poor…
Posted in: Soil