By University of Georgia
On April 29, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill to allow Georgia’s horticulture industry to hold a referendum to create a commodity commission for ornamental horticulture. Town hall-type meetings will be held across the state to give producers a chance to learn more about the program, the way it would operate and the people who would be elected to shape the program’s future. The meeting dates and locations are: June 9 - Sugar Hill Nurseries, 2122 Highway 341 South, Yatesville, Ga., 31097 June 11 - Wakoola Water Gardens, 5235 Union Hill Rd, Cumming, Ga., 30040 June 16 - Casa Mexico, 311 GA Hwy 49 North, Byron, Ga., 31008 June 17 - Ag Center, 65 11th Avenue, NE, Cairo, Ga., 39828 June 18 - ABAC, Horticulture Building, Tifton, Ga., 31793 June 23 - Christ Church at Whitewater, 1577 Highway 85 South, Fayetteville, Ga., 30215 June 30- Jasper Extension Office, 109 Depot Street, Jasper, Ga., 30143 All producers of ornamental horticulture products are encouraged to attend, regardless of their operation’s size. Meetings will begin at 6 p.m. with a complementary cookout. For directions to the meetings or to learn more, go to the Web site www.gahortcommission.org.Published on 06/04/09
New commission may be on horizon
CAES News
UGA dedicates first phase of Science and Ag Hill modernization
The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities and infrastructure on UGA’s Science and Ag Hill. This area of campus, located just south of Sanford Stadium, includes buildings dedicated to a variety of scientific disciplines such as biology, physics, geology and agricultural sciences.
CAES News
UGA researchers study how free-range chickens influence farm sustainability
Researchers in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are studying how pastured and free-range chickens impact ecosystems on integrated crop-livestock farms. Supported by a $749,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, entomology doctoral student Sofia Varriano and her thesis advisor, agroecologist and systems biology Professor Bill Snyder, are testing the promise of integrated crop-livestock agriculture to increase the sustainability of smaller farms.
CAES News
Kaytlyn Cobb joins UGA Grand Farm to boost agricultural innovation in Georgia
Growing up in north Georgia’s Franklin County, Kaytlyn Cobb knew her aspirations in agriculture would always lead her to new opportunities. Inspired by her dedicated community and diverse background, Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. Hired in August, Cobb hit the ground running to continue development of the fast-forming ecosystem between Grand Farm, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and global strategic partners.
CAES News
CAES researchers prepare students to address complex challenges of the future
Over the next three years, researchers in the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication aim to transform undergraduate education in agricultural and environmental sciences by integrating systems thinking — an approach that encourages students to see the bigger picture by understanding how different components within a system interact.
CAES News
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer
Before your favorite produce arrives at the grocery store, it must be carefully harvested and maintained across long stretches of time. A recent University of Georgia review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates. Maintaining temperature, humidity and light is critical to ensuring fruits and vegetables don’t spoil or deteriorate rapidly. Temperature spikes are the root of adverse outcomes, so monitoring these changes quickly and accurately is key.
CAES News
Georgia Bio awards recognize UGA inventor, corporate partners
University of Georgia Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang, Delta Innovation Hub resident Dalan Animal Health, and Athens manufacturer Meissner Corporation were recognized for their achievements in the life science industry at Georgia Bio’s Georgia Life Sciences Summit, held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta. The Golden Helix Awards celebrate the contributions of Georgia legislative, academic, corporate, and advocacy leaders working to grow the life science industry and foster strategic partnerships that create a healthier world.