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| This Week's Titles: |
| Georgian's
Can Become Victims Of Hypothermia |
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Seedless Watermelon Acreage
Continues To Increase |
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| Computer
Programs Help Peanut Farmers |
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| Soybean
insect Problems Being Reduced |
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| Flu
Bug Packing A Vicious Bite |
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| Georgian's
Can Become Victims Of Hypothermia |
1:43 |
Cold weather can be fatal,
even in Georgia. |
Every winter we hear news
reports of people dying from hypothermia, or extremely low body
temperatures. Infants and the elderly are the two groups most
often affected by hypothermia. Jorge Atilis, a housing specialist
with the University of Georgia Extension Service says you don't
have to have bitter cold for hypothermia to put a big chill
on people. "Well, chronic hypothermia basically can occur when
you are exposed to repeated ongoing exposure to the cold, indoor
temperatures below sixty degrees, so even at sixty degrees fahrenheit
if you are exposed constantly, repeatedly, doing that temperature
you could be subject to chronic hypothermia." Jorge Atilis with
the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. To reduce the chances
of hypothermia this winter, dress warmly, even if you will remain
indoors most of the time. Wear warm bedclothes, and use warm
bedding, such as wool or down blankets. Keep your thermostat
set to at least sixty-eight degrees when the weather is cold
outside. If you have elderly neighbors, or relatives, keep a
close check on them during the winter to reduce the chances
of accidental hypothermia. John Harrell, University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting
from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Seedless
Watermelon Acreage Continues To Increase |
1:31 |
Watermelon growers in Georgia
continue to show interest in growing seedless watermelons. |
Georgia growers have been
reluctant to begin growing seedless watermelons because they
did not know whether or not they were adapted to growing conditions
in the state. During the late nineties, scientists with the
University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences began a Watermelon Variety Testing Program to study
yield and quality of both seeded and seedless varieties. "I
think the trend certainly is heading in that direction it looks
like that's the way the growers are going to go and of course
the price per pound on the wholesale market for seedless watermelons
is better." That was George Boyhan with the College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences. Results of the study indicate the
farm gate value of Georgia watermelons more than doubled, from
1998 to 2003. This was accomplished using ten percent fewer
acres. Due to the adoption of seedless varieties, watermelons
are now the number one vegetable in value, and watermelon farmers
are getting more dollars, on fewer acres. John Harrell, University
of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Computer
Programs Help Peanut Farmers |
1:30 |
A Central Georgia county developed
computer programs that provided much needed help to peanut farmers. |
Millions of dollars in
peanut farm income in Pulaski County was threatened by the passage
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Farmers
would have to use the most current technology to reduce cost
and increase yield, to make a profit. Ron Barentine, a county
extension agent in Pulaski County helped design a Peanut Intensive
Management Program. This combines the use of computer programs
and integrated pest management, to manage peanuts. "What I have
is a scout that goes out in the field and gathers the data and
brings it back to my office and we enter it into the computer
for the farmers." Ron Barentine with the College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences. The computer will then print out
the results from the data collected, and farmers will receive
a copy of the print out, so they can put the results to work
on their farms. Pulaski County peanut farmers stated average
yields increased 275 pounds per acre, which means an increase
in income of over $180,000. John Harrell, University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting
from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Soybean
Insect Problems Being Reduced |
1:39 |
College scientists are working
to fight off several insect pests that eat into soybean yields. |
Every year soybean growers
lose yields and money to soybean loopers, stink bugs, and velvetbean
caterpillars. These insect pests cause an average of four million
dollars in crop damage and control costs. Scientists with the
University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences are conducting several studies to look at the feasibility
of planting an early maturing soybean variety. This early variety
would be harvested in mid-August, before the peak insect populations
occur. "The results have been positive every year. Our yields
in this early planted soybean is equal to our later production
of soybeans, but more importantly than that insect problems
have always been lighter on the early produced soybeans." That
was Bob McPherson with the College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, who estimates more than two million dollars could
be saved in reduced pesticide use and less insect-related crop
damage, if the Early Soybean Production System was put to use
on one-half of Georgia's soybean acreage each year. John Harrell,
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Flu
Bug Packing A Vicious Bite |
1:47 |
A lot of people will begin
the new year suffering the effects of a vicious bite from the
flu bug. |
This year's flu bug attack
was sudden and swift, filling hospitals in nearly every state,
including Georgia. The flu has hit children and the elderly
hard, claiming several lives. Connie Crawley, a nutrition and
health specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service
says influenza can also cause dangerous complications. "Well
of course sometimes it can lead to other infections because
the immune system tends to shut down a little bit, so sometimes
it leads to pneumonia, sometimes it leads to bacterial infections
such as an overwhelming staph infection and many times the person
that's most at risk is the person that already has a chronic
disease such as diabetes or asthma." Connie Crawley with the
College of Family and Consumer Sciences. With this year's flu
outbreak quite severe, the university specialist recommend everyone
do all they can to reduce their chances of getting bit by the
flu bug. One simple but important preventive measure is washing
your hands frequently. Parents should also watch their children
closely, and if they start feeling bad and showing positive
flu symptoms, seek medical help quickly. If you have the flu,
stay home. Avoid going to work or other places where you could
spread germs, and make other people sick. John Harrell, University
of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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