The Georgia Department of Agriculture is urging livestock producers, veterinarians and pet owners to remain alert for signs of the destructive New World Screwworm, even though no cases have been confirmed in Georgia.
Chattooga County Young Farmers has announced the addition of a new instructor for the upcoming program year. Chris Ramsey has joined the organization after most recently teaching at Rockmart High School for the past two years.
Ramsey holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, a master’s degree in secondary education, and a specialist degree in career and technical education from Auburn University. Prior to teaching in Georgia, he spent more than 20 years teaching in Alabama.
In addition to his classroom experience, Ramsey operates a farm where he raises beef cattle and pigs. He and his wife have two children, both of whom are studying Agribusiness at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Chattooga County Young Farmers officials say they are excited to welcome Ramsey and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and leadership he will bring to the program. Ramsey says he is eager to get started and looks forward to meeting and working with local Young Farmers members.
With dangerous heat and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees across Northwest Georgia, veterinarians and agricultural experts are urging pet owners and livestock producers to take extra precautions to protect animals from heat-related illness.
Georgia is taking steps to slow the loss of farmland as rapid growth continues across the state.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is accepting applications for its 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, recognizing military veterans and active-duty service members who have found success in agriculture while making a positive impact in their communities.
Supported by Farm Credit, the award honors individuals who have carried the values of military service into farming and ranching, including leadership, hard work, problem-solving, and service to others.
The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, along with reimbursement for travel and related expenses to attend the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 2026 recipient was retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina. Following a 22-year military career, Rutter co-founded Project Victory Gardens and created Farmer Bootcamp, a program designed to help fellow veterans explore careers and opportunities in agriculture.
Applications for the 2027 award are due September 1. Farm Bureau membership is not required to apply.
Additional information and application details are available through the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The Chattooga County Library will host a special program featuring the Chattooga Beekeepers Association on Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m.
The event will be held at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, and is open to the public.
According to event organizers, the program is being presented in recognition of National Pollinator Week, which is observed June 22–28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the important role pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agriculture.
Members of the Chattooga Beekeepers Association are expected to provide hands-on information about honey bees and their impact on the environment. The program is designed to increase awareness of pollinators and offer educational opportunities for community members of all ages.
The event is hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and the Chattooga County Library.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, a medication used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. The action marks the first approval of a generic animal drug specifically authorized for use against the flesh-eating parasite.
Weeks of steady rainfall have brought encouraging news for Northwest Georgia, helping ease drought conditions that have plagued the region for months.
Weeks of steady rainfall are beginning to make a noticeable difference across Northwest Georgia, with drought conditions continuing to improve throughout the region.
Governor Brian P. Kemp signed a major package of forestry and natural resources legislation Thursday at the Georgia Forestry Association headquarters in Forsyth, highlighting what industry leaders are calling a major boost for Georgia’s forestry economy and rural communities.