University of Georgia students are helping Georgia farmers spend less time behind a desk and more time in the field through a new artificial intelligence-powered platform called FieldLog.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair has announced its entertainment lineup and event schedule for the 2026 fair, which will be held August 27 through August 30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Drive in Summerville.
Georgia farmers are being encouraged to participate in a new statewide survey designed to better understand the financial challenges facing agriculture and help shape future policy and advocacy efforts.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has officially proclaimed July 2026 as Georgia Grown Watermelon Month, recognizing one of the state’s most recognizable crops and the farmers who produce it.
The announcement highlights Georgia’s position as the nation’s leading watermelon-producing state, with growers harvesting more than 200 million pounds of watermelons each year. The crop is a key part of Georgia’s agriculture industry, which contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy.
“Georgia’s watermelon growers are among the hardest-working farmers in the nation,” Harper said in announcing the proclamation. He encouraged consumers to support local agriculture by purchasing Georgia Grown watermelons throughout the summer season.
Watermelons are typically harvested across Georgia from June through August, making July one of the peak months for fresh, locally grown fruit. Georgia’s warm climate and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions, helping the state consistently rank first in national watermelon production.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says buying Georgia Grown products supports farm families, strengthens local communities, and helps sustain one of the state’s largest industries. Consumers can identify locally grown produce by looking for the Georgia Grown logo at grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands.
Commissioner Harper said the month-long recognition celebrates both the quality of Georgia-grown watermelons and the important role agriculture continues to play in the state’s economy.
A landmark settlement between John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission, and five state attorneys general is expected to significantly change how farmers repair their equipment, giving owners and independent repair shops access to many of the same tools previously available only to authorized John Deere dealerships.
Cattle producers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve herd management this fall as the University of Georgia Extension brings the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County.
The eight-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet each Monday at 6 p.m. through November 2 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Participants will hear from University of Georgia specialists and industry experts on a wide range of topics, including beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health management, parasite control, facilities, nutrition, reproductive management and forage management.
The registration fee is $100 and includes a notebook, program hat and meals. Registration is open through September 8.
To register, call the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744, scan the QR code on the program flyer or visit bit.ly/49yrFld.
Extension officials say the program is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers looking to strengthen their management skills and improve the profitability of their operations.
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.