Army worms march into Oconee!

 

One of the greatest pests to a pasture owner has made a destructive foray into Oconee County.  The army worm has been on the move in the county, especially to the southern sections where agriculture remains strong.  First, the owners of pastures and hayfields have had to encounter a drought with 90 degree temperatures that have stretched into September.  Add to that the army worm which can appear overnight and devour the grasses that are grown to feed cattle during the winter months.  According to Pat Williams, president of the Oconee Cattlemen’s Association, it’s too late to spray for the army worms and there’s a real worry that some farmers won’t have been able to cut and bail enough hay to feed their cattle when the grasses stop growing this fall.