Agriculture
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When Mother Nature decides to turn the thermostat down below freezing, it affects more than just water lines and power bills. Many plants develop wilted leaves, blackened stems, and may look as if they’ve been scorched. Others will not show signs of damage until spring, when they come out of dormancy. The following is a…
Posted in: Agriculture -
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…
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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…
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Drought conditions across the South are creating significant challenges for beef cattle producers this spring, particularly as pasture growth declines and forage supplies tighten. Recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 97–98% of Georgia is experiencing some level of drought, with a large portion of the state classified in severe to extreme drought…
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Each spring, as The Masters Tournament unfolds just down the road in Augusta, Georgia, the nation is treated to the iconic sight of azaleas in peak bloom. Those vibrant colors signal that spring has arrived across Northeast Georgia—and they also serve as inspiration for homeowners looking to achieve similar beauty in their own landscapes. Azaleas…
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Agriculture has long been the backbone of Madison County’s economy and heritage. From cattle operations and hay production to poultry, row crops, timber, and specialty agriculture, farmers and landowners across the county work every day to produce food, fiber, and natural resources that support our communities. One of the missions of the University of Georgia…
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The Madison County Extension Office will be hosting a free educational class that covers irrigation system design and maintenance for home landscapes and gardens! Mark your calendar for March 31, 2026 at 5:30 PM! Registration will end at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 27,2026. The meeting will be held at the Madison County Extension Office…
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Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Education and Community Engagement Public Outreach and Partnerships During the quarter, Travis supported multiple public outreach and partnership activities. Assistance was provided at the Harvest Festival, including event setup and breakdown, as well as staffing an Extension table to distribute educational materials and increase awareness of Extension programs. Travis also…
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It is that time of year again when leaves are falling and completely covering landscapes. If you don’t enjoy raking, bagging, and dragging leaves to the curb, you can reuse them as mulch. In nature, leaves act like a blanket that protects the roots of trees and plants from very cold temperatures. If you remove…
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Do you really need to bag and haul away your grass clippings—or could they actually be the key to a greener lawn? The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is encouraging homeowners to consider grasscycling as a sustainable alternative to bagging lawn clippings. Grasscycling is the practice of leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing, allowing…