Asa Phillips of Hart County has hundreds of cows living on his farm. But Mr. Phillips also wants his farm to be a friend of the environment. He controls where his cows go, how long they graze, and when they have calves. Two streams run through his fourteen hundred acre farm, but they are off-limits to the animals. Instead of drinking directly from the streams, the cows drink fresh, clean water from one of several concrete tanks. Charles Rice, County Extension Agent in Hart County says the cows get plenty to drink. "Cattle will drink more water from that waterer because it's fresh, clean water." Charles Rice with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The environmental improvement include wildlife feeding areas, complete with rye and crimson clover to eat. The farm is environmentally friendly, but Asa Phillips still looks at his cattle operation as a business, keeping track of all the expenses, and making a profit.

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Farmers in North Georgia continue to plant their 2001 corn crop. But some of the young corn plants in South Georgia are beginning to twist the days away, telling everyone they need a drink of water. Dewey Lee, an Agronomist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says most of the wilting plants are in dryland fields. He adds the young plants are under some stress, but the crop still has several weeks to go before it reaches the critical stages for moisture. "Certainly it's not as damaging as it would be if it were coming during the pollination period or silking stage. But we certainly do need some rainfall for this corn." Dewey Lee with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences who adds young corn plants are now using around .15 to.20 inches of water per day. So farmers that can irrigate should consider applying around an inch of water a week, so young corn plants won't twist away these warm, spring days. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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After a wet March, Georgia returned to a dry weather pattern during April, which has lingered into early May. So many homeowners are worried about their lawns drying up and going brown before summer arrives. Kerry Harrison, an Engineer with the University of Georgia Extension Service says homeowners need to remember the state is still under watering restrictions. They also need to have that system working properly, so damaged sprinklers won't waste water by spraying it in areas where it's not needed. "Well off target application of water, which is the application of water that runs down the side walks, down the street, sprays up into the air because of small droplet sizes, all of those applications are of concern, and an individual needs to take steps to try to correct those problems." Kerry Harrison with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds all sprinklers will wear out over a period of time, and need replacing. Sometimes sprinklers get knocked out of alignment when lawn mowers hit and bend them, or a car drives into a yard and runs over sprinklers. The University scientist goes on to say you can make sure the sprinklers are applying a uniform amount of water by placing rain gauges or containers in several places and measure the water your irrigation system applies. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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As temperatures rise during the spring, so do the number of activities that keep many gardeners busy, until they realize the hour is late for planting their spring garden. But a Horticulturist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says, fear not, because a lot of vegetables can be planted in a garden well into May. "In most parts of the state you can still plant green beans and butter beans are just now starting because they are a real warm weather crop. It's a little late for maybe some of the broccoli and some of the cool crops down in South Georgia but in North Georgia you can still even plant those and do quite well." Wayne McLaurin with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds sweet potatoes and tomatoes can also be planted in a late spring garden during May. Home gardeners running late with their spring garden should not think they have to hurry, but take their time and make sure they select certified seeds and transplants. Also, select a site with a water source nearby, so garden plants can receive the water they need during periods of dry weather. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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After a wet March, farmers were hoping Mother Nature would provide adequate moisture the rest of the spring. But the weather dried up in April, and farmers fear they are looking at another summer drought. But despite concerns about dry weather, the news is not all bad concerning Georgia's 2001 tobacco crop, according to an Agronomist with the University of Georgia Extension Service. "Our early season counts on tomato spotted wilt virus incidence in the fields is very, very low compared to what it has been in recent years, with numbers like three to five or six percent stand loss per acre after transplanting, so we're looking good." J. Michael Moore with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The University scientist goes on to say farmers should also watch out for insects pests including grasshoppers, mole crickets, and budworms. If dry weather continues tobacco may need some water applied by irrigation before the crop is cultivated a final time. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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