Fire ants came to the United States back in the 1930s, and for them America has been the land of plenty. They have no diseases or insects to worry about -- until now. Scientists with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences believe they could solve the fire ant problem by using a tiny insect the size of a gnat called the phorid fly. Each female fly carries about two hundred eggs. She lays an egg right behind the head of a fire ant. In about two weeks the fly's egg hatches and the head of the fire ant falls off, and the deadly cycle starts again. University scientists would like to release more phorid flies in Georgia in the coming months. "We'd probably have to get local governments involved in the process, maybe even the state government involved, what we'd like to see here is a success story that we could build upon to encourage more releases across the state to see how it does work," says Wayne Gardener with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. We don't have to worry about phorid flies getting out of control since they don't attack humans, or animals, just imported fire ants. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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The latest figures from the University of Georgia indicate only 27 of Georgia's 159 counties are economically dependant on farming. That number could drop even further, since many farmers are still struggling from the effects of the drought. But an agricultural economist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says many rural counties are taking a new approach when searching for sources of income. "Many rural areas are pursuing value added development strategies that encourage agricultural related businesses such as food processing and marketing to choose rural locations," says Bill Thomas with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds rural counties that are able to attract food processing and other agricultural related businesses will still be able to generate some income from the food and fiber sector. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.
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The American Heart Association recently made some revisions in the dietary guidelines designed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Janine Freeman, a nutrition specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service, says the new guidelines show the heart associations' concern about the growing problem of obesity in Georgia and the nation. "They're encouraging regular physical activity for everyone and trying to avoid extra calories, specifically those like sugary soft drinks and commercially baked goods that are calorie dense and not nutrient dense," says Janine Freeman with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, who adds people should still work to achieve a desirable cholesterol level. This can be done by limiting foods with saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Freeman goes on to say the general population should limit cholesterol to 300 mg/day, and those at high risk should limit there cholesterol to 200 mg/day. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Most experts continue to predict a large corn and soybean harvest nationwide this fall. Despite a slight decrease in the spring predictions, the bumper crops will keep a cap on price rallies. George Shumaker, an agricultural economist with the University of Georgia Extension Service, says farmers should keep a close eye on market prices, since a slight rally recently took place. "December futures have moved about the $2.00 level for the first time since July. Loan deficiency payments in Georgia are around 25 cents yielding a return for current sales of about $2.25," says George Shumaker with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. For soybeans Shumaker also forecasts a slight rally, with POP payments around 98 cents, and crop income about $5.38 a bushel. Farmers that store their soybeans should consider taking the POP payment now, since future rallies would cause these payments to drop. Farmers would then be able to sell their stored grain and take advantage of the higher market prices. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Scattered showers that fell across Georgia during July, August, and September caused hay fields to put on some growth. This allowed some of the state's cattle farmers to produce and bale some much needed hay. But even with this additional hay stored away, an animal scientist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says cattlemen should get ready for tight hay supplies. "We're going to have probably fifty to sixty percent of a normal hay supply going into the winter, so it's some reason for concern for Georgia's cattlemen," says Robert Stewart with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Cattlemen can help their tight feed supplies by planting winter annuals on time and the right way. There's still time to plant wheat, oats, and other small grains, but farmers should hold off until the state receives some rainfall to put some moisture in the soil. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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