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Spring is chick season, and bringing home new baby chicks is an exciting time for both new and experienced flock owners. The first few weeks are the most important for setting your chicks up for healthy growth and a strong start in life. With the right preparation, supplies, and care routine, your new flock can thrive during those critical early weeks. Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your chicks during their first eight weeks. Prepare a Safe and Comfortable Brooder Before bringing chicks home, you’ll need to set up a brooder — a warm, protected space where...

Azalea culture: A Southern love affair Written by Emily CabreraIllustrations by Lavi Astacio Takeaways Planting both evergreen and native azaleas can help extend seasonal color. Azaleas thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with organic matter, partial shade and consistent moisture, along with careful planting, mulching and pruning after bloom. UGA scientists are studying the genetics of native species to identify traits such as compact growth and heat tolerance, making them more practical for modern landscapes. Few plants embody the Southern garden quite like the azalea. Evergreen azaleas have long been a staple in home gardens, and each spring cultivated beauties brighten Georgia landscapes, from...

Mixing Chickens, Ducks & Quail: Plan Your 2026 Flock Right BY:  Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D.  Poultry Nutritionist, Kalmbach Feeds  TLDR: Yes, chickens, ducks, and quail can live together successfully if you plan carefully. A healthy mixed flock of chickens, ducks, and quail is absolutely achievable with the right approach. Success comes from understanding how these species differ, planning housing and space that keeps everyone safe, and using feeding strategies that meet each bird’s nutritional needs. When social dynamics are managed well and nutrition is consistent, a mixed flock can thrive together comfortably and productively. Why Consider a Mixed Flock? Adding ducks and quail...

Johnsongrass can quickly take over pastures and hayfields if left unmanaged. Fortunately, effective control is possible with careful timing, proper application, and adherence to crop safety guidelines. Here’s what you need to know to keep your fescue and bermudagrass healthy and productive. Timing is Everything For best results: Avoid late spring to early summer applications. Treat Johnsongrass when it reaches 18–24 inches tall and before seed head emergence. This ensures maximum rhizome control. Do not spray during drought stress or within two weeks of cutting hay, as this can reduce effectiveness and increase crop stress. Mixing and Application Rates Cryder...

Spring calving season is an exciting time on the farm, but it also comes with plenty of responsibility. A successful calving season depends on preparation, the right supplies, and knowing what to watch for when cows begin to deliver. Whether you manage a large herd or just a few head of cattle, getting ready ahead of time can help reduce stress and improve outcomes for both cows and calves. Here’s a helpful checklist of supplies and practical tips to keep your calving season running smoothly. 1. Prepare a Clean, Dry Calving Area A clean calving environment is one of the...