‘Pretty scared’: Georgia farmers fear crop losses as drought deepens
Georgia farmers are facing significant crop losses due to the state's worst drought in nearly 20 years, with over 98% of the state experiencing 'severe,' 'extreme,' or 'exceptional' drought conditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster declaration for 149 of Georgia's 159 counties, allowing farmers to apply for emergency loans.
Georgia farmers are struggling with the state's worst drought in almost 20 years. The dry spell, which began last fall, has left over 98% of the state facing 'severe,' 'extreme,' or 'exceptional' drought conditions. At Lee Nunn Farms, a 1,600-acre family farm near Madison, the corn crop has barely grown in weeks, and cotton seeding is on hold due to the hard, parched soil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster declaration for 149 of Georgia's 159 counties, enabling farmers to apply for emergency loans. The drought has also sparked devastating wildfires, prompting a burn ban and thick smoke in metro Atlanta. State officials may soon activate the first phase of the state's drought response plan, potentially leading to water use restrictions.
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