This winter’s unusually cold temperatures may have people wondering — or hoping — that Georgia’s insect populations will shrink this spring. That’s just wishful thinking.

The University of Georgia’s Extension irrigation specialist is cautious when discussing the future of irrigation and its impact on farmers statewide. Wesley Porter’s job is to educate both Georgia and Alabama farmers on the best way to manage the precious resource.

Keeping herbicides from drifting off target is the law and “it’s the neighborly thing to do,” says a University of Georgia weed specialist.

With a record-setting cold snap and snow-snarled highways in north Georgia, January 2014 went into the record books as one bone-chilling month.

Last summer’s rain combined with this winter’s frigid temperatures have left cattle suffering and Georgia cattlemen seeking answers.

Georgia cattlemen are struggling to feed their herds and fighting the affects of poor quality forages. With calf prices at a high, selling off stock may be the best option, says one University of Georgia expert.

A strong winter storm will throw a double punch of extreme conditions across northeast Georgia this week - Tuesday through Thursday. The first part of the storm is expected to move into northern Georgia Monday night and Tuesday morning with the potential for sleet, freezing rain and snow up to several inches in the higher elevations. The second, stronger part of the storm will move in around Tuesday evening and is expected to bring widespread freezing rain to most of northern and eastern Georgia.

When we think of invasive species we usually think of insects, plants and animals that have been shipped to Georgia from another part of the world, but it’s a two-way street. Georgia’s native plants and insects can be just as devastating overseas if they take root in a foreign ecosystem

Become a citizen scientist Saturday, Feb. 15 and help Rock Eagle 4-H Center take an inventory of its wild bird population. Expert and beginner birders alike are invited to walk the 4-H center’s property and scout for waterfowl, songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors and other birds. The bird-scouting event is part of The Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual four-day event set for Feb. 14 through Feb. 17.