Travis Tankersley
-
As temperatures begin to cool across Northeast Georgia, beef cattle producers should start preparing for the winter feeding season. Proper planning can help maintain herd health, control feed expenses, and improve cattle performance heading into the spring. One of the first steps is evaluating the hay supply. Producers should estimate how much hay will be…
Posted in: Agriculture -
Successful beef cattle production involves more than raising healthy cattle and selling calves. Keeping accurate records is an important management tool that helps producers evaluate herd performance, control expenses, and make better decisions for the future. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension encourages producers to use production and financial records to better understand their operation and…
-
As summer begins to wind down and cooler temperatures arrive, September is an important transition period for Georgia lawns and landscapes. The work homeowners do now can help warm-season turf survive the winter and return healthier next spring. For homeowners with bermudagrass, centipedegrass or zoysiagrass, one of the most important steps is allowing the grass…
Posted in: Agriculture -
For many landowners in Madison County, a pond is more than a body of water. Ponds provide opportunities for fishing and recreation, wildlife habitat, livestock water and an attractive feature around the home. However, maintaining a healthy pond requires more than treating weeds when they become a problem. Good pond management starts with understanding the…
-
It might come as a surprise to be thinking about a winter garden when the temperatures are still in the 90’s, but now is the time to get ready for cool season vegetables. Georgia’s relatively mild winters provide an opportunity to keep the vegetable garden productive well into the colder months. With the right crops…
-
Container gardening continues to grow in popularity across Northeast Georgia, allowing homeowners to enjoy trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plants on patios, porches, and small landscapes. While growing plants in containers offers flexibility and beauty, it also requires a little extra maintenance to keep plants healthy over time. One of the most important tasks is…
-
As temperatures climb across Northeast Georgia, fly populations increase rapidly and become one of the most common summertime challenges for beef cattle producers. While flies are often viewed as little more than a nuisance, they can significantly reduce cattle performance and profitability if left unmanaged. An effective fly control program not only improves animal comfort…
-
Many families in Madison County rely on private wells for their drinking water. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not routinely monitored by a utility, which means well owners are responsible for ensuring their water is safe to drink. According to UGA Extension, regular water testing is one of the most important steps homeowners…
-
A newly detected invasive insect in Georgia is raising concerns among agricultural officials and plant professionals due to its potential to damage a wide range of ornamental and fruit-producing plants. The Brown Winged Planthopper (Pochazia shantungensis), a species native to China, has recently been confirmed in Georgia and is now being monitored by researchers and…
-
Many home gardeners look forward to harvesting baskets of fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans each summer. However, one of the most overlooked keys to a productive garden is not fertilizer or irrigation—it is regular scouting. Taking a few minutes each week to inspect plants for insects, diseases, and other problems can often mean the…