Press Release 04/10/2006
Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689
Crop Update
State on Dry Side, Needs Rain, Says Ag Commissioner
ATLANTA-- “Things are drier down on the farm than I like to see at this time of the year,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.
“Although conditions vary across Georgia, much of the state needs rain. Many farmers are in a holding pattern waiting for moisture to plant cotton, peanuts and other crops. We also especially need rain at this time for crops, like corn, that are already in the ground and sprouting. Seedlings are especially vulnerable,” said Commissioner Irvin.
Another concern that Commissioner Irvin is hearing from farmers is that many are having to feed hay to cattle. “At this time of year, there should be adequate grass in pastures,” said Irvin.
On the positive side, Irvin noted that this year’s peach blossoms did not get hit by a late freeze, and the Agricultural Statistics Service rated 86 percent of the state’s world-famous Vidalia® onion crop as either “Good” or “Excellent.”
Consumers should start seeing an abundant supply of Vidalia® onions in stores in the coming weeks, according to Irvin. Early peaches from south Georgia will start appearing in late May.
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