Announcements
H-2A Pay Rates Forecast Rise to Unsustainable Level
On November 23, USDA released the findings of their Farm Labor Survey. The devastating news for Georgia includes a drastic 14% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). The new AEWR in Georgia will rise to $13.68 per hour from the current rate of $11.99. The survey findings will be used by The U.S. Department of Labor to set H-2A wage rates for 2023, a move that is expected to be announced shortly. Click here to read more...
Free Publication "Maintaining Commercial Citrus in Georgia"
By Jake Price, County Extension Coordinator, Southwest District. Click here to view or download.
This publication addresses problem prevention, maintenance, insects, diseases, and some physiological issues of concern in Georgia. The time of year to address maintenance, insects, disease, and physiological issues is projected. Many of the production practices in Georgia are similar to those in Florida, but some, such as timing of fertility, are different. Many of the known insects and diseases of citrus have been confirmed in Georgia while others are yet to be confirmed. As new citrus trees and varieties are brought in from citrus nurseries in Georgia and other states, more production issues will arise. Many issues covered in this publication may not be present in all commercial groves, and other issues will certainly arise. Many citrus management problems can be prevented by proper planting techniques and by selecting the best citrus varieties and rootstocks adapted to our location. Planting healthy, disease free citrus trees in appropriate sites with adequate windbreaks and irrigation may prevent future issues and limit the need for many pesticide applications. Consult the University of Florida IFAS Extension Florida Citrus Production Guide for more information and pesticide recommendations.
Click here to view or download.