Learning the importance of novel pulse crops and a different way to drain water

Jul 28, 2023

What are fenugreek and phacelia flowers and why should farmers look into tile drainage systems for their fields?

Those and countless other questions were addressed to farmers and non-farmers alike at the Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) on Thursday during its annual field day.

The biggest presentation made that morning came from Robin Lokken, the Manager of the CLC who provided an update on their four-year agricultural drainage project, which is now in its second year.

She explains is uses a common practice of surface drainage but they’re also looking into tile drainage. That’s the process that removes excess sub-surface water from fields and allows for better air space within the soil as well as proper cultivation and access by heavy machinery to help harvest crops.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.