UGA Bacon County Extension

10/13/2026

SAVE THE DATE! 🫐 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 6, 2027, for our Annual Blueberry Update! This in-person event is a great opportunity to hear the latest research, gain valuable industry insights, and connect with fellow growers and agricultural professionals as we prepare for another blueberry season.

Date: January 6, 2027
Event: Annual Blueberry Update
Format: In-Person

More details, including location, agenda, and registration information, will be coming soon! Be sure to save the date and stay tuned for updates. We look forward to seeing you there.

Alt-text: Save the Date notice featuring a blueberry.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution, Veteran, and Disability Institution.

10/13/2026

Did you know? Calcium plays an important role in blueberry fruit development, but timing is everything! UGA CAES publication “Calcium in Blueberry Fruit Development” (Circular 1370), provides valuable research-based information for blueberry growers. This publication explores how calcium moves through blueberry plants, how calcium concentrations change during fruit development, and why early growth stages are especially important when considering calcium management practices.

We encourage anyone interested in blueberry production to take a few minutes to read this informative publication: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1370/calcium-in-blueberry-fruit-development/

Published by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information or guidance, contact your local Extension office.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, s*x, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Calcium is an important nutrient if blueberry production. Calcium deficiency can cause fruit quality issues. This resource focuses on quantifying the calcium concentrations at different stages of berry development and within the berry.

10/12/2026

Happy National Farmer’s Day! Today, Bacon County Extension celebrates the hardworking farmers who are the heart and backbone of our community! From early mornings to late nights, through unpredictable weather, long growing seasons, and countless challenges, our farmers work tirelessly to put food on our tables, provide for their families, and keep our agricultural heritage thriving.

Farming is more than a job…it’s a way of life built on faith, dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the land. Here in Bacon County, we are blessed with farmers who not only help feed and clothe our nation but also strengthen our local economy, support our community, and help cultivate a brighter future for generations to come.

To all our farmers and farm families…THANK YOU! Your hard work, sacrifices, and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are grateful for all you do, not just today, but every single day!

Alt-text: Graphic of a tractor plowing a dusty field with text thanking farmers for National Farmers Day.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution, Veteran, and Disability Institution.

10/12/2026

The 2026 Vidalia Onion W**d Control Update will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 (10 a.m. to 12 noon) at the UGA Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center located at 8163 Hwy 178, Lyons, GA 30436. Lunch sponsored by TIMAC AGRO and BASF. GA Pesticide Credits will be available to attendees.

Registration is required if interested in attending. To register, visit https://uga.questionpro.com/onionw**dcontrol or scan the QR code provided on the flyer.

Speakers and presentation topics include:
• Dr. Stanley Culpepper, UGA W**d Science:
-Updates on 24(c) Vidalia Label
-Research and Recommendations for Direct Seeded and Transplant Onion Systems
• Aubrey Shirley, Tattnall County Extension:
-Evaluation of Acid Herbicides in Direct Seeded Onion Production
• Chris Tyson, Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center:
-Current Research Projects and Crop Update

Questions or concerns? Contact Chris Tyson at [email protected]

Alt-text: Flyer announcing the 2026 Vidalia Onion W**d Control Update, with event details, agenda, sponsors, registration URL, and QR code.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution, Veteran, and Disability Institution. If you need reasonable accommodation or language access services, contact Chris Tyson at [email protected], at least three weeks prior to the program date.

10/08/2026

It’s harvest time in South Georgia! Let’s share the road safely!! Cotton is turning white, peanuts are being dug, and our South Georgia farmers are hard at work bringing in another harvest season! As our farmers head from field to field, you may notice more tractors, cotton pickers, peanut combines, wagons, and other large agricultural equipment traveling along our rural roads and highways. While they're busy bringing in the harvest, we all have an important role to play in helping them get home safely…and a little patience goes a long way! Here are a few friendly reminders to keep in mind when sharing the road with farm equipment:

Drivers: SLOW DOWN! Give farm equipment plenty of room, avoid distractions, and never attempt to pass unless it's safe and legal. Remember, large machinery makes wide turns, has blind spots, and often travels much slower than regular traffic.
• Farm equipment often travels at 25 mph or less. A vehicle moving that slowly can approach much faster than you expect.
• Give them room! Large equipment may take up much of the roadway. Keep a safe following distance and never tailgate.
• Pass wih caution! Only pass when it's legal and you have a clear view of the road ahead. Never assume a farmer moving toward the edge of the road is inviting you to pass—they may be preparing to turn left.
• Be patient! Farmers will often move over when it's safe, but finding a suitable place for oversized equipment takes time.
• Stay alert! Watch for slow-moving vehicle signs, wide loads, sudden stops, and equipment entering or exiting fields.
• Plan ahead! Give yourself a little extra travel time, put down the phone, and keep your attention on the road.

Farmers: Make sure your equipment has proper slow-moving vehicle signs, working lights, and reflective markings. Check your equipment before traveling, secure your loads, and use extra caution when entering or exiting roadways.

Remember: Behind every piece of farm equipment is someone’s family member, friend, or neighbor. Our farmers work long hours to provide the food, fiber, and resources we depend on every day. The least we can do is give them a little extra time and space on the road!

Slow down. Stay alert. Share the road. Let's make sure everyone makes it home safely this harvest season!

Alt Text: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service harvest road safety graphic featuring tips for farmers and drivers

Graphic Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service — Share the Road Responsibly This Harvest Season.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran, Disability Institution.

10/06/2026

Episode 31, Season 4 of the All About the Pod podcast, “Current Weather and Harvest, Cover Crops, Pest Situation, and a Safety Reminder”, is now available for listening at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-the-pod-episode-31-s4-current-weather/id1638194766?i=1000792849693

In this episode, Dr. Scott Monfort discussed the current weather and harvest, cover crops, pest situation, and a safety reminder with Dr. Mark Abney, Dr. Eric Prostko, Dr. Scott Tubbs, Dr. Taylor Singleton, and Dr. Bob Kemerait. Be sure to give it a listen!

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.

Podcast Episode · All About the Pod · October 2 · 52m

10/06/2026

Ware County UGA Extension will be hosting a Container Garden Workshop on October 22, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Ware County UGA Extension Office. Join them for a fun, hands-on gardening class and learn how to successfully grow cilantro in a container, as well as using fresh cilantro to make a tasty salsa.

Participants will leave with their own container of cilantro planted during the class, helpful resources for growing and caring for cilantro, and a salsa recipe featuring freshly grown cilantro

The class costs $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or card. If interested in attending, please call the Ware County Extension Office at 912-490-2456 or stop by their office at 3225 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503. Deadline to register is October 20th. Spots are limited!

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran, Disability Institution. If you need reasonable accommodation or language access services, contact the Ware County Extension Office at 912-490-2456 or [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the program date.

Alt-text: Flyer for a Container Gardening: Cilantro class featuring green plants in a wooden planter, event details, instructor portraits, and registration information.

Interested in Container Gardening? Join us on October 22, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Ware County UGA Extension Office for a fun, hands-on gardening class!

Learn how to successfully grow cilantro in a container, then stick around for a salsa recipe demonstration featuring fresh cilantro.

Participants will leave with:
🌿 Your own container of cilantro planted during the class
📚 Helpful resources for growing and caring for cilantro
🥑 A delicious salsa recipe featuring your freshly grown cilantro

Come learn, grow, and enjoy a tasty way to put your garden to use! The class costs $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or card. Call our office at 912-490-2456 or stop by and see us at 3225 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503. Register by October 20th. Spots are limited!

**The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran, Disability Institution. If you need reasonable accommodation or language access services, contact the Ware County Extension Office at 912-490-2456 or [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the program date.

10/06/2026

Episode 30, Season 4 of the All About the Pod podcast, “Disease Issues and Harvest”, is now available for listening at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-the-pod-episode-30-s4-disease-issues-and-harvest/id1638194766?i=1000791646048

In this episode, Dr. Scott Monfort continued to discuss the late leaf spot situation, maturity, Insects, w**ds, and Harvest with Dr. Mark Abney, Dr. Eric Prostko, and Dr. Bob Kemerat. Be sure to give it a listen!

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.

Podcast Episode · All About the Pod · September 25 · 55m

10/05/2026

As harvest season moves along, now is a great time to start thinking ahead about your winter cover crop plans. Cover crops can provide valuable benefits such as increased biomass, w**d suppression, and protection against soil erosion, but timing and variety selection matter.

This helpful article from the Georgia Cotton Commission discusses planting and termination windows, cereal rye varieties, oats, crimson clover, tillage radish, and several things producers should consider before planting.

Whether you’re already using cover crops or thinking about giving them a try for the first time, take a few minutes to check it out!

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran, Disability Institution.

It’s officially fall, and by the time you read this you may have already harvested your first field of cotton for the year, which means it won’t be long before it’s time to plant cover crops. With so many different types of covers/species/cultivars/mixes floating around now, it’s worth diggi...

10/02/2026

We spend a lot of our time indoors…home, work, school, and play…so the environments around us can have a big impact on our everyday well-being. The September 2026 edition of UGA Extension’s “Healthy Indoor Environments: Where We Live, Learn and Play” newsletter is a great resource for practical, research-based information designed to help you create healthier, safer, and more comfortable indoor spaces for yourself and your family.

Take a few minutes to check out the latest newsletter and discover useful tips you can put into practice in your own home and daily life. Read the newsletter here: https://site.extension.uga.edu/hie/2026/06/june-2026-newsletter/

Published by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information or guidance, contact your local Extension office.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, s*x, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

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