#FarmNews | AM 1180 Radio

May 26, 2026

Drought May Impact Chattooga County Hay Quality And Yields

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyExtension, #DroughtImpact, #FarmNews, #ForageTesting, #GeorgiaAgriculture, #HayQuality, #HaySeason, #LivestockFeed, #northwestgeorgia, #UGAExtension, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County Extension officials say hay is finally being cut across much of the county, but recent drought conditions could have a noticeable impact on both yield and quality this season.

According to Chattooga County Extension, the dry weather may lead to lower hay yields, reduced nutritional value, and more weeds in local hay fields. Officials say that makes forage testing especially important for farmers and livestock owners who depend on hay for feed.

Extension officials say producers should not assume the quality of their forage without proper testing. Hay testing can help determine key values such as protein percentage, total digestible nutrients, and relative forage quality.

Those numbers can help livestock owners better understand whether their hay will meet nutritional needs or whether additional feed supplements may be necessary.

Farmers are encouraged to test hay as it is harvested and review the results carefully before relying on it through the season.

More information is available through the Chattooga County Extension Office.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Georgia and Alabama

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Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.

April 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Fertilizer Price Spike Creating Challenges For Georgia Farmers This Spring

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As spring planting season gets underway, farmers across Georgia—including those in Northwest Georgia—are facing rising costs that are putting pressure on already tight budgets.

March 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Young Farmers Announce Vidalia Onion Sale for 2026 Season

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #AgricultureNews, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaYoungFarmers, #CommunityNews, #FarmNews, #Fundraiser, #GeorgiaAgriculture, #GeorgiaFarmers, #GeorgiaGrown, #LocalAgriculture, #northwestgeorgia, #OnionSale, #OrderNow, #SeasonalProduce, #summervillega, #SupportLocalAgriculture, #TylerHarper, #VidaliaOnionCommittee, #VidaliaOnions, #VidaliaSeason, #wzqznews, #YoungFarmers 0

The Chattooga County Young Farmers are once again offering Georgia-Grown Vidalia onions for sale as the 2026 season gets underway.

According to the group, the order deadline is April 17, with pickup tentatively planned for the last week of April. Customers can place an order through a Young Farmer member or by scanning the QR code on the sale flyer.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Declared Free Of Bird Flu, But Officials Urge Continued Vigilance

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the state has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, though officials stress that poultry growers and flock owners still need to stay on guard. Georgia regained its HPAI-free status as of March 13, allowing the state to resume exports and international trade of poultry products.

February 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia House Votes to Expand Feral Hog Trapping and Hunting Options

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The Georgia House has approved legislation aimed at expanding how landowners and wildlife control operators can trap and hunt feral hogs—an invasive species blamed for widespread damage to crops, pastures, wildlife habitat, and property across the state. Supporters say the measure is designed to remove red tape and help reduce hog populations that reproduce quickly and are difficult to control.