After months of severe drought that brought dry pastures, stressed crops and concerns over water supplies, Georgia has experienced a dramatic turnaround — and Northwest Georgia is among the areas seeing substantial improvement.
A Georgia program is turning successful deer harvests into meals for families in need across the state.
The Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program allows hunters to donate harvested venison, which is then processed and distributed to food banks and other hunger-fighting organizations throughout Georgia.
The program also supports wildlife management efforts. Many landowners already work to control deer populations in order to protect crops, timber and other resources, and Hunters for the Hungry provides a way for that harvested game to benefit local communities.
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the program received more than 140,000 pounds of donated venison last year, providing more than 579,000 meals to Georgians in need.
Supporters say the program combines conservation, responsible wildlife management and food assistance while making use of a valuable source of protein.
Hunters and others interested in supporting the effort can learn more through the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program at gwf.org/ghfth.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging federal trade officials to strengthen protections for American specialty crop producers as negotiations continue over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
A Crawford County man is facing state and federal charges after a multi-agency investigation into alleged illegal dog fighting led to the rescue of 23 dogs and the seizure of firearms and suspected illegal drugs.
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.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says its Plant Protection team continued efforts in June to track and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet, an invasive species that poses a threat to honeybees and Georgia’s agriculture industry.
According to the department, crews found 125 hornets and eradicated three nests during the month of June.
Agriculture officials say hornet activity increases as temperatures rise. Beekeepers and residents are encouraged to watch for nests and for “hawking” behavior around beehives, where hornets hover near hives and prey on bees.
Anyone who believes they have found a Yellow-Legged Hornet nest in Georgia should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
Georgia is taking steps to slow the loss of farmland as rapid growth continues across the state.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.
Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.
Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.
Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.
Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
Georgia agriculture officials have expanded animal entry requirements following the detection of New World screwworm in the United States, a livestock pest that was eradicated from the country decades ago.
Georgia agriculture leaders are continuing efforts to strengthen the state’s farming industry through new business resources and expanded market opportunities.