The Child Tax Credit has been in effect since 1998. However, beginning with 2001, it is now a refundable credit. Michael Rupured, a Financial Management Specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says this is a positive development for families eligible to receive the Child Tax Credit. "This year it will again first be used to offset any taxes you owe, but if you don't owe any taxes you can receive the remainder of the dollars in a refund." Michael Rupured with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. To be eligible for the Child Tax Credit refund, a single or married worker must be able to claim an exemption for a dependent child under the age of 17, on his or her tax return. The person must also have taxable income above $10,000, and have either a Social Security number, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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During the fall farmers normally put their irrigation systems to bed for a long winters nap. But once again the state has experienced a dry fall and winter, with below normal rainfall. Kerry Harrison, an Engineer with the University of Georgia Extension Service says the dry conditions left many farmers no choice but to continue working their irrigation systems. "There have been areas due to the extended drought that we've had that irrigation systems never were winterized, they have ran all through the winter with winter cover crops or winter vegetables to actually produce those crops." Kerry Harrison with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. With the drought showing no signs of breaking, water management will be critical during the upcoming growing season. Farmers that did winterize their irrigation system should check pipes and joints for leaks, so water won't run out and be wasted. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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As winter changes over to spring during March, the chances of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes increase over the state. Pam Knox, the Assistant State Climatologist at the University of Georgia says there are more battles between warm and cold air from early March through late May, which creates ideal conditions for severe weather. "But we see a lot more active weather pattern in the transition seasons of spring and fall just because we have the temperature differences and that brings on the most active weather pattern." Pam Knox with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Georgian's should not wait until a watch is issued to begin thinking about severe weather safety. Families should take time to locate a safe place in the home while the weather is calm, so they can move their quickly when severe weather threatens. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Most of us have felt the shock of electrostatics after walking across a carpet on a cold, dry day. But engineers with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are turning something many people think of as negative into positive uses for agriculture, including lower pesticide bills. "Electrostatic forces could be harnessed to at least double the attraction of charged spray droplets onto plants. If we can do that, and we've clearly shown we can, then the farmer should be able to reduce the quantity of pesticide he dispenses from spray nozzles, still get the required amount on the crop, and that should lead to a tremendous savings for the farmer in crop productions costs.' That was Ed Law with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds these electrostatic forces also help the environment, since less pesticides will be needed. Other electrostatics research includes electric-field enhanced removal of moisture for improved agricultural crop drying, and engineered systems for electrostatic mass pollination of high-value speciality crops. John Harell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Many farmers are turning their attention to corn planting, since the Senate recently passed their version of the farm bill. Dewey Lee, an Agronomist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says farmers in South Georgia will begin planting corn in early to mid March. He adds an important factor in getting the crop off to a good start is selecting the right corn hybrid. "You know hybrids will vary in their yield capabilities according to what system they're designed for. Some hybrids are better suited for dryland, others are much better suited for irrigated production." Dewey Lee with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The university scientist goes on to say results from soil samples collected in fields where corn will be planted should be analyzed, so the correct amount of phosphorous and potash can be applied, and farmers can find out the correct soil PH of the field. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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