Ga. Cotton, Peanut, Pecan Growers Could See Big Losses From Hurricane Michael
Judging by its projected path, Hurricane Michael could have a major impact on cotton, peanut and pecan crops in Georgia. Farmers “are really at the mercy of the weather right now,” said Janice Dees of the U.S. Pecan Growers Association in Tifton, Georgia.
Courtesy of the Georgia Cotton Commission
Georgia’s peanut, pecan and cotton growers could suffer big losses this week, based on the current path of Hurricane Michael.
That’s because only half of the state’s peanut crop has been harvested so far, and nearly all of the cotton and pecan crops have yet to be harvested.
State Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black said he’s praying for the families in southwest Georgia.
“It’s going to be a long road, but we’re delighted that we do have very strong partnerships at the federal level, and we’re going to work to make sure we help our farm families get through this because it’s very likely to be worse than anything we’ve ever seen,” Black said.
Janice Dees is executive director of the U.S. Pecan Growers Association in Tifton, Georgia.
“[Farmers] are really at the mercy of the weather right now,” Dees said. “There’s nothing they can do other than to secure their equipment. But as far as doing anything with the trees at this point, they don’t have any options.”
Dees said Georgia’s pecan growers experienced major losses last year during Hurricane Matthew.
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