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Published on 12/20/01

2001 in Review: Agriculture

Georgia's Pork Industry Continues to Weaken (January 4, 2001) - This year, odds are most pork products you buy at the grocery store will not be made from hogs raised in Georgia.

On-farm Facility Adds Value to Veggie Crop (January 22, 2001) - Until last year, as much as half of Bill Lee's jalapeño pepper crop was wasted. Peppers that didn't meet the peak-quality demands of the fresh-produce market were thrown away or never picked. But not anymore.

Farmers Struggling to Feed Georgia Cattle (January 23, 2001) - From a distance, you'd think the cows in Wesley Fiveash's Crisp County pasture have plenty of green grass to eat. You'd be wrong. A closer look shows a serious problem that could get worse.

Georgia Farmers Could See Historic Prices (February 22, 2001) - A historic event that could happen in farm commodity prices this year would be good tidings for some Georgia farmers and devastating news for many others.

Farmers Might Have Chance to Act Against Drought (February 28, 2001) - By March 1, the Department of Natural Resources will predict whether or not Georgia faces another year of severe drought. If a severe drought is predicted, the Flint River Drought Protection Act will be initiated for the 2001 growing season.

Georgia Corn Growers' Outlook Brighter (March 13, 2001) - Georgia farmers face another year of severe drought, and the prices of many major commodities remain low. But the long rows ahead look a little better for corn growers, says a University of Georgia expert.

No 'Business as Usual' for Tobacco Farmers (March 21, 2001) - With the coming of spring, Georgia tobacco farmers are preparing to plant the state's third most valuable crop. But it won't be business as usual. Experts say ongoing changes will continue to affect farmers and the rural economies that surround them.

Peachy Outlook for Georgia Peach Crop (March 23, 2001) - Not since the early 1990s have Georgians had such promise for an abundant crop of sweet Georgia peaches. University of Georgia experts say this may indeed be a very good year.

Foot-and-mouth a Threat to U.S. Livestock (March 28, 2001) - Foot-and-mouth disease poses a threat to the United States because of the high volume of traffic between Europe and the United States, says a University of Georgia expert.

Vidalia Onions Late, Small, in Short Supply (April 10, 2001) - Cold, unstable weather through December and January has taken a toll on the state's valuable Vidalia onion crop. Experts say the crop will be late, possibly smaller than normal and in short supply.

New Disease Threatens Georgia Day Lilies (April 17, 2001) - A new plant disease threatens to blemish the reputation of Georgia day lilies. Timely identification and strict regulatory efforts, though, have stopped the disease for now.

Georgia Farmers Eye Peanut Program Change (May 4, 2001) - A federal program that anchors a major part of Georgia's farm economy is currently under fire as the United States prepares its future farm policy to comply with freer trade in the world.

Korean Ag Delegation Visits UGA CAES (May 17, 2001) - Five representatives of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Academy of Agricultural Sciences have spent the past two weeks learning about farm research from University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences specialists in Athens, Griffin and Tifton.

Where are the True Vidalias? (May 31, 2001) - When is a Vidalia onion not a Vidalia onion? University of Georgia researchers are searching for a definitive answer.

'Downsizing' Georgia Farmer Raising Quail (July 11, 2001) - A decline in certain natural habitats has severely decreased the wild population of one of Georgia's primary game birds: the bobwhite quail.

Forage Test Can Be Lifesaver for Cattle (July 20, 2001) - A new kit enables county agents to go to a field, test a forage sample and get a reasonably accurate assessment of its nitrate content. That's important, because at very high levels, nitrate can kill cattle.

Rain Mixed Blessing for Georgia Peach Crop (July 23, 2001) - This summer, timely rains have helped Georgia farmers recover from three years of severe drought. Peach growers, however, know too much of a good thing can bring a whole new set of problems.

Ag Secretary Gets Crash Course in Georgia Farming (August 1, 2001) - Georgia farmers and officials gave U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman a crash course in farm practices, crops and farm issues particular to area agriculture here July 30.

Scientists Find EASY Way to Monitor Water Use (August 4, 2001) - What do you get when you combine a washtub, chicken wire, a toilet bowl float and a few things from your local hardware store? You get a precise monitoring device that can save time, save money and help conserve water, say experts with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Veneman: Farmers Need Freer Foreign Trade (August 17, 2001) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman told farmers and farm policy makers here that the United States must embrace freer trade with foreign countries "or our farmers will be left behind."

Editorial: Globalization Challenges Farmers (September 5, 2001) - This guest editorial by Georgia farmer Murray Campbell offers a compelling argument for less government regulation on U.S. farmers to help them compete in the new global marketplace.

Groups Partner to Build Farm, Ecology Tourism (September 10, 2001) - Pick your own apples or grapes. Dump a load of cotton. Pack some peaches or peppers. Herd some calves. Go shrimping. Or just walk in a peanut field.

Rains Boost Crop Yields, Prod Diseases (September 17, 2001) - In most cases, the weather has helped Georgia farmers' crops this year. But it's also helped plant-threatening diseases thrive in many Georgia fields, says a University of Georgia expert.

Study Finds Georgia Muscadines Chock-Full of Nutrients (December 5, 2001) - UGA study helps Georgia muscadine growers sell their grapes to the supplement market.

Market Shift Threatens U.S. Cotton Growers (December 13, 2001) - The worldwide demand for cotton shirts and breeches has never been better. The U.S. industry that turns cotton into products like these, however, is in major economic trouble. And their stress means U.S. growers are having to depend more than ever on foreign buyers.

New Product Offers Farmers Market for Kenaf (December 19, 2001) - Kenaf, a plant related to cotton and okra, is usually grown either as a forage crop for animals or for its fiber. But a middle Georgia businessman wants farmers to grow it for use in building materials.

Barnes: Farms, Schools Key to Rural Economy (December 18, 2001) - TIFTON - Rural communities and agriculture depend on each other, said Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes here at the Symposium on Value-added Agriculture Dec. 14.

Brad Haire is the former news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.