University of Georgia cotton and peanut scientists will showcase their research in a joint field day on Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Tifton, Georgia.

The annual field day will begin at 8 a.m. at the UGA Lang Farm South, located at 230 Rigdon Aultman Road, Tifton, Georgia.

The event is free, but those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to help with lunch preparations. Contact Michela Rineair at 229-386-3006 or msrineair@uga.edu by Wednesday, Aug. 30, to reserve a space.

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers will answer questions from farmers and other attendees and provide updates on topics related to the cotton and peanut industries.

“This field day is extremely important because it showcases cotton and peanuts, two crops that are vital to many farmers in Georgia,” said Jared Whitaker, UGA Cooperative Extension cotton agronomist. “We will discuss the different practices that contribute to production of both crops, like disease and insect management, irrigation strategies and variety selection.”

UGA researchers will update Georgia cotton growers on issues related to management of whiteflies, a pest that has been abnormally difficult to control this season. Each crop year brings different challenges, according to Whitaker, but he’s proud of the efforts made by UGA entomologists that have helped producers deal with this pest.

“It’s a testament to the ability of the UGA Cotton and Peanut teams to answer questions and develop management strategies that are crucial for our producers,” he said. “Those who attend the field day will recognize UGA’s commitment to providing unbiased, science-based information to our producers.”

Georgia’s peanut farmers are producing their largest crop in more than 20 years. At the field day, growers will learn about research progress and measures Georgia farmers can take to continue to expand and improve peanut production.

“This field day allows growers to see what is being done with their research dollars,” UGA Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort said. “More importantly, they will get to hear how to make their farms more sustainable. That’s what makes our research meaningful. It’s got to have a lasting impact with the producers we’re helping to serve.”

The field day will relocate to the Rural Development Center (RDC) pivot farm, located across from the Tifton Campus Conference Center, midmorning. Prior to lunch at 1 p.m., UGA Extension economists Amanda Smith, Adam Rabinowitz and Don Shurley will discuss important peanut and cotton economic issues.

For more information or to view the agenda, visit georgiacottoncommission.org.