Tag Archives: Georgia agriculture news

Pecan Growers Gather in Ty Ty for Fall Field Day, Share Updates on Research and Recovery

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Ty Ty, GA |

Pecan growers from across Georgia recently gathered for their annual Fall Field Day, an event designed to foster connection, share research updates, and provide expert insights essential to the future of the state’s pecan industry.

“With the research being done here, they don’t get to see this facility but every three years,” says Mary Bruorton, Executive Director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association. “So this is a new opportunity for new growers and existing growers to see what research has been done… what new varieties are being worked on, and different disease protection as well.”

Among the speakers was Dr. Lenny Wells, Extension Pecan Specialist with the University of Georgia, who offered a crop update and highlighted one of this year’s biggest challenges: rain.

“With pecans, most of the varieties that we grow… they’re susceptible to a disease called pecan scab,” says Wells. “The more rainfall you get, the more disease pressure there’s going to be. You have to spray more. In years like this one, it rains so often that especially growers with a large acreage, they really can’t get over their acreage before it rains again. It drives up the cost of production considerably.”

For producers already operating on thin margins, those increased costs can be significant—which is why having reliable, science-based guidance is more important than ever.

“In general, farmers tend to focus on production—on how many pounds they make of whatever crop they’re looking at,” Wells explains. “But probably a more important figure to look at is the net return. And that goes back to the cost of production. So we’re always looking for ways that we can cut costs without hurting the yield.”

Despite the rain and the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene from last fall, Wells says the crop has shown resilience. In fact, many trees damaged by the storm unexpectedly produced a crop this year.

“We’ve seen something very surprising,” says Wells. “A lot of the trees that were left actually came back with some crop this year… Normally what we see after these hurricanes is that they completely take that next year off… but this year something was different.”

While it may not be a record-setting harvest, Wells says the fact that growers have a crop at all—especially in previously storm-damaged orchards—is a positive sign moving forward.

By: John Holcomb

New Spending Bill Brings Big Wins for Georgia Farmers | Crop Insurance, Taxes & More Explained

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Athens, GA |

After years of financial uncertainty, Georgia’s farmers are finally seeing a bit of clarity, thanks to a sweeping new 870-page federal spending bill that was recently signed into law. While the legislation took time to come together, many in the agricultural community believe it was worth the wait.

“The big, beautiful bill is going to be a boon for agriculture in Georgia and actually the entire US,” says Ford Ramsey, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Georgia. “It’s essentially a replacement for the farm bill. You know, we had been wanting a farm bill for the past two years. And I think most farm advocacy groups are going to consider this their farm bill.”

With record-high input costs and commodity prices struggling to keep pace, strengthening the safety net for producers was a top priority. That’s why changes to crop insurance programs are among the most welcome provisions.

“What was done there was primarily, the reference prices increased,” Ramsey explains. “Those increased reference prices were in line with what we saw from a proposed farm bill in the House in 2024. They seem to be pretty favorable for the commodities that we grow here in Georgia—specifically cotton and peanuts. If you enroll in ARC, you’ll now be able to purchase the supplemental coverage option under crop insurance. Previously, you were not able to do that. And the guaranteed revenue under ARC is also increased.”

Premium subsidy rates for Enhanced and Supplemental Coverage Options are also rising—up to 65% and 80%, respectively—making insurance programs more affordable for producers. The bill even includes a directive to explore new coverage specifically for one of Georgia’s largest ag sectors: poultry.

“So, the subsidy rates on premiums, the premium subsidy rates have increased,” says Ramsey. “So all else equal, farmers should be paying less for their crop insurance going forward. And there was also a call to develop an insurance policy for contracted poultry production. Poultry is one area where we haven’t seen a lot of use of federal crop insurance in the past.”

In addition to bolstering insurance protections, the legislation tackles one of the more sensitive issues facing family farms—succession. Changes to estate tax exemptions could provide a new incentive for younger generations to return to the land.

“There were also some changes made on the tax side,” Ramsey says. “I think principally, what would be beneficial to farmers are changes made to the estate tax exemptions. The amounts that can be exempted have been increased to fifteen million dollars a person or thirty million dollars for a couple.”

With the 2025 growing season underway, many Georgia producers are hoping this long-awaited bill delivers on its promises—offering support not just for today’s challenges, but for the future of farming in the state.

By: Damon Jones

Georgia’s Cotton & Peanut Crops: What Growers Are Seeing This Season | Midville Field Day 2025

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Midville, GA |

Despite a rocky start to the growing season, Georgia’s cotton and peanut crops are showing promise as the state’s farmers gear up for harvest. At this year’s Midville Field Day, growers gathered to get the latest updates from experts across the University of Georgia’s Extension system—including insight into crop conditions, production challenges, and what lies ahead for 2025.

According to Camp Hand, UGA Extension Cotton Specialist, recent rainfall across the state was a timely blessing for cotton fields that were beginning to show signs of stress.

“Today’s August sixth. The last two days, we’ve gotten rain across the state, which was much needed,” said Hand. “We were kind of getting to a point where it was getting a little iffy in terms of what the crop was doing. It was getting really dry out there.”

Hand said the precipitation will help dryland crops bounce back and assist with irrigation recovery, putting growers in a stronger position heading into late summer.

“Of course, there’s going to be a little bit of fruit shed and things like that associated with overcast weather,” he added. “But overall, I think we’ve still got really good potential in our crop.”

However, good crop potential doesn’t always translate into good profits. With cotton prices currently sitting under seventy cents per pound, many Georgia farmers have backed away from planting it—opting instead for peanuts. But Hand warns that a shift away from cotton could disrupt the delicate infrastructure balance the state’s ag economy depends on.

“The reduction in cotton acres affects infrastructure. It affects gins, it affects warehouses, it affects people that have equipment,” Hand said. “The reason Georgia agriculture has been so successful—especially with our major row crops—is because cotton and peanuts just work. We can’t have one without the other.”

Fortunately, this year’s peanut crop appears to be holding strong. Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist, said producers enjoyed a relatively smooth planting season, with favorable soil moisture and temperatures through much of April and May.

“The crop is looking very well across most of the state,” said Monfort. “We had a little dry spell in May that caused some delays, but overall, we got the majority of our crop planted on time.”

Still, Georgia’s peanuts weren’t entirely spared from Mother Nature’s extremes. A heat wave that rolled through late July into early August placed significant stress on irrigated crops during peak bloom—a critical growth stage that demands consistent moisture.

“We were in ninety-five-plus degree temps with no rainfall, and in some of these pivots, you just can’t keep up at that point,” Monfort explained. “We did go through a stress period, but I think it was early enough that I don’t think it’s going to hurt us.”

Both Hand and Monfort stressed that resilience and adaptability remain the keys to success as producers navigate rising costs, shifting acreage, and unpredictable weather.

By: John Holcomb

Georgia’s Green Industry Faces Big Challenges but Stays Resilient After Hurricane Helene

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Duluth, GA |

Here in Georgia, the green industry is more than just landscaping and nurseries—it’s big business that plays a vital role in the state’s economy. Encompassing everything from greenhouses and sod farms to landscape companies and garden centers, the sector generates over a billion dollars in economic impact every year while supporting Georgia’s number one industry: agriculture.

“The green industry in the state of Georgia is around over a billion-dollar industry and impact,” says Dr. Ben Campbell, Extension Economist with the University of Georgia. “We’re the tenth biggest state for nursery and greenhouse production in the country, and second in the Southeast behind Florida. The industry employs roughly over 100,000 people, both directly and indirectly. Its impact goes beyond plant sales for yards—it extends to restaurants, local businesses, and any place that values beautiful green spaces.”

With such an important role, industry events like the annual Southeast Green Conference and Trade Show have become crucial gatherings. They allow growers, landscapers, and suppliers to learn from one another, see the latest equipment and technology, and connect with partners from across the region.

“This is a good place for people to come together and meet,” says Stan Deal, Chairman of the Southeast Green Conference. “We offer three days of educational sessions for people wanting to learn about new technologies and get credits for pesticide application licenses. The trade show brings in industry folks from around the Southeast, so attendees can learn about new plants, pesticides, fertility products, equipment like mowers, application tools—everything they need to stay up to date.”

This year’s conference feels especially important. Just months ago, Hurricane Helene dealt a major blow to the industry, causing widespread damage to greenhouses, plants, and infrastructure.

“Overall, the impact of Hurricane Helene on the nursery and greenhouse industry in Georgia is around $440 million,” says Campbell. “That breaks down into around $300 million in short-term losses—plants, trees, and shrubs destroyed at the time of the hurricane or shortly after. There are also future losses—trees and plants that won’t be available to sell in years two, three, four, or five—about $84 million. On top of that, infrastructure losses like destroyed greenhouses and plastic are about $50 million.”

Hurricane Helene is just one of many challenges the green industry has faced in recent years. Labor remains a top concern, alongside rising input costs.

“Labor is one of the biggest issues—not just the cost, but the supply,” says Campbell. “Other impacts are on the input side. Costs for fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides—they’ve all gone up, but prices for products really haven’t kept pace. It’s created a squeeze for producers: how do you stay profitable when costs go up, but your prices don’t?”

Despite these challenges, events like the Southeast Green Conference highlight the resilience and innovation within Georgia’s green industry—one that continues to support communities, local economies, and the landscape we all enjoy.

By: John Holcomb

Georgia Peach Season in Full Swing Thanks to Favorable Weather and Strong Yields

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Musella, GA |

When it comes to fruit production in Georgia, few crops are as iconic—or as delicious—as the peach. Known for consistently high quality, Georgia peaches are once again on track for a strong season, thanks in large part to favorable growing conditions.

“We didn’t really have any cold weather events in March, so we got through that unscathed,” says Jeff Cook, UGA Extension Agent for Peach County. “We had a good amount of chill this winter, everything bloomed well, and then we had a lot of cool weather afterwards—which usually bodes really well for the crop.”

That’s welcome news for growers like Lee Dickey of Dickey Farms, who says the orchards are bouncing back nicely after a brief weather setback.

“Overall, really excited about this season,” says Dickey. “We got enough chill hours and the peaches are looking good. We had a slow start with a hailstorm that hurt a few early varieties, but we’ve picked most of those already. The peaches now are beautiful—great size, color, and flavor.”

Harvest officially kicked off in early May, but the work that goes into producing a quality peach spans the entire year.

“All year long we’re doing something,” says Dickey. “We start in January pruning the trees, then in March and April we’re thinning the peaches so the ones that remain grow nice and large—that’s what consumers want.”

Cook echoes the year-round nature of peach farming, noting that consistency and care are essential.

“It’s a nonstop thing,” says Cook. “That’s why a lot of homeowners have problems growing peaches—you can’t take a break from it. I compare it to being a dairyman or a poultry farmer. You can’t just leave the cows or chickens alone. Same with peaches. You’re taking care of them year-round.”

Fortunately, one common concern—labor—hasn’t been an issue this season, which means plenty of fresh fruit will be making its way to markets across the region.

“Everything has gone very smoothly in terms of visa applications and getting the workers here,” says Dickey. “Luckily, that hasn’t turned into an issue.”

Dickey says customers can expect to find Georgia-grown peaches at both local and national grocery stores, although most are staying on the East Coast. But for the freshest selection, he says there’s no substitute for buying local.

“Anything from our local market or stands—that’s picked the day of or the day before,” he says. “That’s the great thing about picking peaches every day. We can be selective with what goes into our market and offer the nicest, freshest peaches possible.”

By: Damon Jones

Dicamba Ban Forces Georgia Farmers to Rethink Weed Control | Pigweed Management in 2025

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Tifton, GA |

With cotton prices down and margins tighter than ever, Georgia farmers are laser-focused on maximizing yield—and that starts with effective weed control. But for many, keeping fields free of pigweed just got more difficult after a U.S. court ruling banned the use of over-the-top dicamba herbicides last year.

“It’s very important,” says Stanley Culpepper, Weed Extension Scientist with the University of Georgia. “Older chemistries—products labeled for pastures, turf, or for burndown—those labels weren’t impacted. But the Engenia, XtendiMax, and Tavium labels were, and they’ve been extremely important to us in both cotton and soybean production.”

Unlike previous restrictions, this latest ban wasn’t based on environmental or health concerns. Instead, it stemmed from a procedural error—specifically, the EPA’s failure to open dicamba’s registration for public notice and comment. That misstep triggered a potential 28-month review process.

“We didn’t lose those labels because of an environmental issue,” says Culpepper. “It was a procedural issue when registering the product during the last process. As of today, it’s still not looking very favorable for 2025. We recommend growers start thinking about alternative systems—we’ve been doing that for a couple of months—and we’re working hard for 2026. But I’ll tell you, there are no guarantees.”

Despite the setback, Culpepper says there are other effective options available, depending on the seed trait technology being used. However, these programs demand sharper precision and tighter timing.

“You’re looking at an Enlist program—kind of that 2,4-D system—or a Liberty-based program,” he says. “Both can be effective, but only if we make sure there are no weeds at planting. You have to be super timely—more timely than with the dicamba-based program. We can still control this weed, we just need to be more on top of our game this year. We can’t play catch-up like we’ve been able to in the past.”

As input costs continue to rise, farmers are carefully weighing every decision. But Culpepper warns that cutting back on herbicide programs may cost more in the long run.

“Weed management is one of many important components for sustainability on our family farms,” he says. “In a year like this, you’re typically trying to save money. But when it comes to weed management—especially with Palmer amaranth—there’s not a lot you can cut. We’re already using every tool in the toolbox.”

For growers navigating a tough season, staying proactive in the face of change may be the most important tool of all.

By: Damon Jones

Georgia Young Farmers & Ranchers Head to D.C. | Advocating for Ag’s Future on Capitol Hill

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Washington D.C. |

Providing leadership development, educational opportunities, and social networking are the cornerstones for the GFB Young Farmers and Ranchers program. And that is best exemplified by their annual trip up to Washington DC, where the next generation of farmers get plenty of all three.

“So, I definitely think it’s important and they need to hear from the younger generation so we are not getting silenced. You know, we’re up here, we’re caring about our operations just as much as the older generation. Then, also, to network with other young farmers around our state that we don’t really necessarily get to do back home; this trip takes us away from the operation, to be able to do that and build those networking opportunities,” says Allie Andrews, GFB YF&R Chair.

While young farmers might question just how much of an impact, they can really have on government policies, the answer is, in fact, quite a bit.

“They have a tremendous voice, and they have a lot of advantages when you think about it; built in institutional advantages. There are agriculture committees in both the Senate and the House. I mean, other industries don’t have that. We know agriculture is in every state. So, every senator cares about agriculture. Most of the members of the House, whether they have a lot of ag or a little know about ag,” says David Salmonsen, AFBF Senior Director of Government Affairs.

That’s why this trip up to DC is so meaningful each and every year. As lawmakers get a first-hand account of just how much federal policies are affecting the next generation of farmers in Georgia.

“We’re bringing our stories up here, to the representatives, to the senators. We’re bringing our industry to their office door and letting them understand what we’re struggling with and what they can do on their side of things to help us out,” says Andrews.

“There is nobody better than people who are actually in the industry, in agriculture, to come to DC, meet the people here. Explain what’s going on. Farmers tell their stories best and a lot of what’s going on by people who don’t understand agriculture don’t even think about how it might impact agriculture. Our senators and representatives, they love to hear from voters. Voters have the best stories. That’s who they really want to hear from,” says Salmonsen.

And not just any voters, but specifically those who have a long-term stake in what kind of decisions are being made affecting the ag industry.

“Our young people can say what you do now, I’ll be living with the rest of my life, or I’ll be operating in a business environment that you are impacting for the rest of my life. Whether it’s positive or negative, you’re imposing costs that are going to affect me as I’m trying to be a successful farmer or a rancher. So, I think it’s great to hear from them,” says Salmonsen.

So, between the educational sessions, meeting with lawmakers and creating new friendships, this annual trip is truly a unique experience.

“It’s awesome. I make new friends every time we get to come. I’m so thankful that this is my second year in a row getting to come. So, that opportunity in itself and I’m coming with a whole new group. So, I’m really excited about the new kids that have come up and then the middle-aged young farmers that are here as well to represent,” says Andrews.

By: Damon Jones

Georgia Hay Producers Face Challenges After Brutal 2024 | What to Expect in 2025

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Tifton, GA |

Spring has officially sprung here in Georgia which means hay fields and pastures across the state will be starting to flourish, signaling a new production year for forage producers. According to Lisa Baxter, State Forage Extension Specialist, it’s a sight many producers are excited to see after the terrible year they had in 2024.

“In short, 2024 was not the here for forages in not just Georgia, the whole southeast. We were way too wet in the spring and led to a lot of disease issues really early on that unfortunately, we don’t have chemical options for within the forage industry. Going into summer, we pivoted hard. We went way to dry for way too long for warm season perennial production. Had some easement later in the year through the tropical storms and hurricanes, but even then it was a lot of rain at one time, and then nothing for six plus weeks for a lot of areas. Those of them up at producers up in North Georgia lost a lot of stockpile potential in their fescue because that fall drought for them, where the hurricanes missed a lot of those areas, it just, it didn’t happen,” says Lisa Baxter, State Forage Specialist.

One huge and unexpected issue producers had this year was fall army worms, which were spotted in nearly every county in the state, which according to Baxter, really hurt producers’ bottom lines.

“Our insecticide costs, pastures, hay fields, every variety cultivar we have out there; it hit them all. So that was a much bigger expense going into our forages than most producers have ever had before,” says Baxter.

According to Baxter, unfortunately, due to last year’s issues, 2025 doesn’t bring much optimism, at least so far, as inputs, such as seed and fertilizer, are expected to remain high for producers.

“There are certain species and varieties that I’ve heard are going to be a little more limited on the seed side this year because of weather challenges out west, but that’s again, a wait and see kind of kind of game there. We just don’t know what the demand is for those products every year. With row crop prices being very high, I’m hearing a lot of pivots wanting to be put into forage production. So that, in my mind, is going to increase that demand beyond our typical producer base. Then on the input side, fertilizer, it’s expensive as always. I know it goes up and down, but there and we can’t cut it out, especially in a hayfield,” says Baxter.

According to Baxter, a big issue that’s followed producers into this year is the availability of hay, as stockpiles were diminished due to forage grazing either being limited or non-existent.

“There just wasn’t as much hay produced because of all of those challenges. If you had an area that you couldn’t do fall stockpile a lot of areas couldn’t get winter grazing in that put additional strain on those already limited hay reserves and coming into 2025, I’m hearing a lot of producers that have empty hay barns. They’re ready for summer to be here and it’s not here yet. So, our guidance through UGA extension would be we’ve got to manage that stocking right early, balance it with our forage availability and match our herd size accordingly,” says Baxter.

By: John Holcomb

Georgia Bill Aims to Protect Farmers’ Access to Crop Tools | Senate Bill 144 Explained

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Atlanta, GA |

Each and every day, farmers and producers across the country work to produce the food and fiber we all need and depend on – with tools they need and depend on, and thanks to lawmakers in Atlanta, those tools are one step closer to being protected by state law as Senate Bill 144 has passed through the General Assembly and is now headed to the Governor’s desk.

“It’s a labeling bill and we’re basically, we’ve got a failure to warn clause in there, and we’re just saying that the manufacturers of products could not put anything on the label other than what EPA allows them to put on the label. At the end of the day, the EPA is the final say so. They’re the ones that do the research on top of what the manufacturers are doing to make sure products are safe. So, it’s truly a labeling bill – the label is the law. The EPA is in control of that and the federal government. So we’re just stating that in the bill and it’s just a failure to warn clause and that the EPA is the final say so in that,” says Senator Sam Watson from Georgia’s 11th District.

Though the bill only addresses labels, it assures farmers they’ll continue to have vital access to technologies they depend on.

“Currently, there is only one manufacturer of glyphosate in the United States. So they’ve obviously had difficulties with this failure to warn claim, so when you start talking about food security, food safety, and farmers livelihoods; trait technology is an important tool that we have in our toolbox as farmers and we couldn’t farm without all of the trait technologies and the use of herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides in general,” says Watson.

Watson, who is a producer himself, says these tools are essential to their operations now more than ever, as rising costs require them to be as efficient as possible – something that wouldn’t be the case without those trait technologies.

“I’m more on the vegetable side, and we have to use a lot of hand labor. H-2A just went up another two dollars an hour and so we use herbicides to help control weeds in our crops. So it became an issue of, is this product going to be around for the future generations to use? And are we going to have this tool in the toolbox? If you go to your local hardware store or your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, I don’t think you’re going to find glyphosate on the shelf because it’s been removed from the shelf. That active ingredient has already been removed. So, that’s where the fear from agriculture came, that what else is going to come off the shelf?,” says Watson.

Beyond protecting American agriculture, Watson believes the bill also safeguards American manufacturing and ultimately national security.

“The Chinese manufacture a lot of these products and if we have to buy it from the Chinese to feed Americans and to stay in business, then we’re probably going to get it from the Chinese. When there’s a problem, how do you go after someone in another country? We want to make sure that we protect American manufacturing and especially American manufacturing of these products,” says Watson.

By: John Holcomb

Georgia Farmers Gain Access to Vital Water Source After 13-Year Ban

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Tifton, GA |

Despite the countless hours that go into preparing the land, choosing the right variety and protecting against pests and diseases, no crop can be successful without the proper amount of water. And for more than a decade the largest underground source in the region has been unavailable to farmers here in Georgia. However, thanks to a new ruling from the EPD, those restrictions have been lifted.

“EPD will begin accepting applications for new withdrawals from the Floridan aquifer in southwest Georgia beginning in April of 2025. That’s certainly welcomed news as that area’s been under a moratorium now for, thirteen years. The news is, as I say, certainly welcomed for growers in that area. The Floridan aquifer is a fantastic resource for farmers in that area. It supports hundreds of thousands of acres of irrigation,” says Mark Masters, Director for the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center.

With a number of counties in that part of the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions in 2024, having the aquifer as a possible option for irrigation is exciting news.

“The Floridan is a resource in terms of groundwater that is more readily accessible for most of the growers in Southwest Georgia in terms of the cost of tapping that resource unlike some of the deeper aquifers. And so, for farmers that may be looking to expand their irrigated acreage in some way, this is an important development,” says Masters.

Despite the ruling that allows for these new drilling permits, there will still be some restrictions on water usage in order to maintain the ecosystem.

“This is not opening up to just unlimited acreage forever. These new permits will have some drought restrictions on them because as we now know, there is that tight connection and we want to make sure that we are maintaining adequate stream flows in some of those critical areas. And so, these new permits will have some drought restrictions in place, but again, in most years, this is going to be a really good resource for our farmers,” says Masters.

Being good stewards of the land, which includes maximizing water efficiency, is a cornerstone within the farming community and one of the major factors that went into this new ruling.

“One of the main reasons we’re able to make this announcement and that we got this good news from the governor’s office is that over this same period of time, we’ve been able to demonstrate that our farmers are really good stewards of the resource. And so, we understand that their use is highly efficient and that they’re taking care of our shared water resources. That’s gone a long way to helping us get to this place where we’re now able to begin expanding some of that use,” says Masters.

This is also a culmination of plenty of hard work behind the scenes, where researchers, administrators, and most importantly, farmers worked together in order to come up with a resolution.

“As much as Farm Bureau has been involved with getting that moratorium looked at and lifted for everything from frost protection to irrigation wells, it probably wouldn’t have moved as fast if it hadn’t had been for Farm Bureau. So, to all of the people down in that part of the state that are Farm Bureau members, thank you for helping us get the ball rolling,” says Tom McCall, Georgia Farm Bureau President.

By: Damon Jones