Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..
Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Paint Fisheye Eliminator
For the past several months I have been introducing myself as Whitfield County’s “new” extension agent and quickly have to follow-up with “but I am a fish guy.”
Everyone expects their extension agent to be well versed in topics such as hay production, carpenter bees and weed identification, but my background is in fish feed, dissolved oxygen and recirculation systems. You see, for 25 years I’ve been a part of the agriculture community, but not the part that most recognize as agriculture. I have been growing fish, most recently for the University of Georgia at the Cohutta Fisheries Center in the Town of Cohutta.
Aquaculture is similar to other types of agriculture, but there are enough differences that the folks with tractor hats and “Beef” tags on their bumpers don’t quite trust you in a crowd. Fish farmers complain about some of the same things as other farmers, such as high feed prices, low market prices and lack of rain (try growing fish with no water), but it’s different if you don’t cut hay, and have some fencing tools in your truck.
For years, while managing the UGA Cohutta Fisheries Center, I have answered pond questions from the public on topics such as aquatic weed control, grass carp, species selection and, unfortunately, fish kills. These interactions were what prompted my applying for the Whitfield County extension agent position when I found out that the Cohutta Fisheries Center would be closing. The natural world seems to be full of myths and wives’ tales, and pond owners were always grateful when I could debunk something that a “helpful” brother-in-law had said would “fix” their pond.
Extension’s role is to deliver scientific, research-based information to the general public on a wide array of topics pertaining to landscaping, gardens, pests, weeds, animal production and even ponds. If we don’t have the answers on a particular topic, we have the support of UGA specialists for more in-depth knowledge. So, even though I’ve been growing fish, rather than hydrangeas, for the last 25 years, I can contact an expert to help troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing.
Since I’ve started with Extension I’ve learned that a soil test is probably the best $12 you can spend when it comes to growing healthy lawns, gardens or forage for livestock. Soil tests provide information on your soil’s nutrient status and directions on how to fertilize for the crop you intend to grow. As we begin the new year, do yourself a favor and don’t guess when it comes to fertilizing and soil pH. Think ahead about your upcoming planting projects and get a soil test to make the best of your efforts. Contact our office for more information about soil tests or if you have some doubts about something your brother-in-law told you, we’ll be happy to help.
Shane Kornberg is the agriculture and natural resource agent for University of Georgia Extension, Whitfield County. Contact him at Kornberg@uga.edu or call the Whitfield County Extension office at (706) 278-8207.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.
Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Silicone Spreading Adjuvant Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: