New Invasive Pest in Georgia Poses Risk to $1.2 Billion Beef Industry

New invasive pest in Georgia poses risk to $1.2 billion beef industry

Georgia officials warned farmers and producers to remain vigilant after the invasive pasture mealybug was discovered in Decatur County, posing a potential economic threat to the state's multi-billion dollar livestock and turf industries. The post New invasive pest in Georgia poses risk to $1.2 billion beef industry appeared first on Rough Draft.

New invasive insect poses ‘serious threat’ to Georgia farmers

A grass-eating invasive pest has been spotted in Georgia, and it could mean further headaches for cattle ranchers and farmers. The pasture mealybug has been spreading across the Southeast since it was first confirmed in Texas last October, and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced recently the insect had been spotted at a turf business […]

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Announces First Confirmed Detection of Pasture Mealybug in Georgia

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced the first confirmed detection of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) in Georgia. The detection was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on August 5, 2026, in Decatur County, Georgia. Pasture mealybug is an invasive insect that primarily affects annual and perennial warm-season grasses and poses a significant […] The post Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Announces…

New invasive insect poses ‘serious threat’ to Georgia farmers - Now Georgia

New invasive insect poses ‘serious threat’ to Georgia farmers (Georgia Recorder) — A grass-eating invasive pest has been spotted in Georgia, and it could mean further headaches for cattle ranchers and farmers. The pasture mealybug has been spreading across the Southeast since it was first confirmed in Texas last October, and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Ty…