Shrimp ranks as the number two most popular seafood eaten by Americans. It is estimated that each person eats about three pounds of shrimp every year. But a Scientist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has found Georgia farmers can grow shrimp in fresh water hundreds of miles away from the coast. But farmers should think long and hard before they commit to growing shrimp, since fresh water shrimp production takes a new way of thinking. "But you have to be a management-minded producer in order to get above-average yields. If you aren't, you'll get average or below," said Gary Burtle with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. When comparing the taste of freshwater shrimp to saltwater shrimp, consumers will find freshwater shrimp are very similar, when they are fresh. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Weeds are an enemy to every garden. They rob precious water and nutrients from the garden plants. They also harbor insects and diseases. Wayne McLaurin, a horticulturist with the University of Georgia Extension Service, says weeds that grow in gardens are going to seed now. He adds this is the best time to get rid of those weeds before those new seeds fall onto the garden site. "Take those seed pods off do away with those things just don't let them go to seed and remove them from your garden, if you have to put them in the garbage or do something with them just don't let them go to seed in your garden," said Wayne McLaurin with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds digging will bury these seeds deep in the soil. But at the same time other seeds buried in the ground for several years will be brought up to the surface, where they will germinate into weeds and cause problems in future gardens. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Pumpkin growers are busy bringing pumpkins out of the fields. Terry Kelley, a horticulturist with the University of Georgia Extension Service, says most of the pumpkins are still grown in the northern part of the state. He adds the pumpkins received the moisture they needed from scattered showers during August and September. The dry weather also had some benefits for the pumpkins. "We've had enough dry weather to produce pumpkins that have performed pretty well. We haven't had a lot of disease problems. No real insect problems. But there has been adequate rain to grow the pumpkins out and to good vine cover, and to make a nice crop," said Terry Kelley with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds there should be a good supply of small pumpkins, as well as the large, heavy ones used for jack-o-lanterns. Consumers should find prices about the same as they were last year, and possibly slightly lower, since heavy rains did not cause problems with pumpkins in North Carolina this year. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Most of the state received above normal rainfall during September, the first monthly rainfall surplus in quite some time. But despite the increase in rainfall, the state climatologist and professor of engineering at the University of Georgia expects water restrictions to continue. October and November are normally some of the driest months of the year during a normal weather pattern. Also, most streams, lakes, and rivers are still well below normal. "Most rivers and streams north and west of a line from Seminole County in the southwest corner to Rabun County in the northeast corner are running well below normal and some are still at record low flows," said David Stooksbury with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who predicts Georgia will receive close to normal rainfall during October and November. But the yearly rainfall deficit should continue well below normal until winter hopefully brings more rain. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Most farmers grow wheat, oats, and rye for small grain production. But an agronomist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says these grains can also be used as cover crops in fields. He adds cover crops can help a field in several ways. "To prevent soil erosion, wind erosion, and also provides some additional dry matter for soil organic matter and for holding moisture and nutrients during the winter time. It's important I think particular as we consider changes in our equipment and changes in our production practices that we consider conservation tillage, and one form of conservation tillage is to plant into a cover crop that we've killed late into the winter or early spring," said Dewey Lee with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Farmers can go ahead and plant their cover crops, so they can get established for the winter. But it's still too early to plant wheat, rye, and other small grain crops that will be harvested for grain. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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