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
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
U.S. Agriculture Faces Mixed Weather, Market Pressures
Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.
Brooks York with AgriSompo provide insight on crop insurance considerations and the decisions farmers are making as the enrollment deadline approaches.
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.

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:

At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
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.