Georgia Ag Commissioner: Invasive Yellow-Legged Hornet Sparks Concern for Pollinators and Agriculture

Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.

yellow-legged-hornet_GA-dept-of-Ag.jpg

Yellow-Legged Hornet

Georgia Department of Agriculture

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (RFD NEWS) — The Georgia Department of Agriculture is urging growers to stay vigilant as state and federal agencies work to eradicate a new, invasive yellow-legged hornet, raising concerns for agriculture. Officials warn the Yellow-Legged Hornet is a major threat to honeybees and other pollinators.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the hornet.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Harper outlined the risks this species of hornet poses, current eradication efforts with APHIS and UGA, and how producers can identify and respond to sightings. Finally, he shared a look at planting progress from his own farm and spring planting conditions in the region.

Related Stories
Exports depend more on demand than currency shifts.
Spring Fieldwork Advances As Weather Patterns Shift Nationwide
Rodeo Austin exhibitor reflects on years of showing and the routines that get her ready for the ring.
SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
Corn Refiners Association VP Kristy Goodfellow offered insight into the Feeding the Economy Report’s key findings, showing the breadth of agriculture’s economic impact and the challenges ahead.
Exhibitor Camdyn Neuman reflects on family and the life lessons learned through showing cattle at the Rodeo Houston Livestock Show.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.
After devastating wildfires swept through Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer is championing a bill to expedite the relief process for farmers and ranchers. She joins us with updates on recovery efforts, conditions on the ground, and how the ag community has stepped up to help.
Tony Adkins with Specialty Risk Insurance addresses current market challenges for farmers and ranchers and offers strategies to help producers navigate risk.
AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Isabella Chism joined us to discuss Ag Day planning, community involvement, and supporting the future of agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.