Georgia Department of Agriculture

May 2026 Yellow-legged Hornet Update 📢
Last month, the Plant Protection team began observing increased hawking activity around beehives — a sign that the Yellow-legged Hornet is transitioning into its secondary nesting phase.

During May, the team:
• Deployed 40 traps
• Found 164 hornets
• Eradicated 10 nests

As hornet activity increases, it is more important than ever for Georgians to remain vigilant and watch for nests like those pictured.

If you suspect you have identified a Yellow-legged Hornet nest or notice hawking behavior around your hives, please contact the Plant Protection team at [email protected].

🫑 Farmer of the Week | We are proud to feature Chill C Farms in Moultrie! Owned and operated by three friends — Will Grantham, Sam Watson, and Clay Underwood — Chill C Farms was founded in 2007 after years of farming independently.

Chill C Farms grows an incredible variety of fresh produce, including bell peppers, yellow straight neck squash, yellow crookneck squash, eggplant, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and specialty peppers.

Thank you, Chill C Farms, for your passion, hard work, and commitment to agriculture!

APPLY NOW | 🐾 The application period for the DCSP Grant is open!

Eligible licensed animal rescue organizations, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations across Georgia are encouraged to apply. Funding helps support spay/neuter procedures and expand access to critical animal welfare services statewide.

Learn more and apply: https://www.agr.georgia.gov/dog-and-cat-sterilization-program-dcsp

Calling all members! 📣

Interested in becoming a vendor at the 2026 Georgia National Fair (Oct. 8–18)? This is a great opportunity to showcase your products and connect with customers from across the state!

Applications for the Georgia Grown Market are open now through July 15, 2026. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4u07Zhm

Monday (June 1) is the deadline to submit applications for the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions, which support research, education, and promotion for Georgia Grown commodities across the state.

📝 Apply here: https://bit.ly/3PqXQMy
📧 Submissions: [email protected]

Last week, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper visited an Atlanta-area Kroger to celebrate and support products featured in stores across the state!

Georgia Grown is proud to partner with retailers like Kroger to showcase locally grown and made products while supporting the farmers, makers, and small businesses that help Georgia ag thrive.

Today, and every day, we honor the memory of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our county.

Georgia Spotlight | Georgia has a long history of supporting local farmers markets — and that tradition is still thriving today.

In May 1941, Georgia Ag Commissioner Tom Linder encouraged Georgians to support farmers markets as essential to the success and profitability of local farms. More than 80 years later, farmers markets remain a vital connection between consumers and the people who grow and produce our food.

Today, we continue that tradition by supporting local farmers markets across the state and encouraging Georgians to shop local for fresh produce, handmade goods, and Georgia-grown products.

Applications are now open for the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions, which support research, education, and promotion for Georgia Grown commodities across the state.

📅 Apply by June 1.
📝 Apply here: https://bit.ly/3PqXQMy
📧 Submissions: [email protected]

Help strengthen the future of Georgia ag by getting involved!

APPLY NOW | 🐾 The application period for the DCSP Grant is open through June 15!

Eligible licensed animal rescue organizations, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations across Georgia are encouraged to apply. Funding helps support spay/neuter procedures and expand access to critical animal welfare services statewide. Learn more and apply: https://agr.georgia.gov/dcsp-grant-information