Planting in April

April is a prime time for planting in Georgia, covering a wide range of crops from cotton and corn to various garden produce. Typically, the last frost occurs by mid-April in most parts of the state, except for North Georgia, delaying spring planting in the mountain regions compared to the rest of Georgia. Although no longer the top producer, Georgia is renowned for its peaches, being the first state to commercially sell them. The state boasts quality peaches, with over 7,294 acres harvested in recent years.

Georgia excels in producing pecans and is a top state for blueberry production. In terms of peanuts, Georgia not only leads the nation in production but also contributes 42% of the total U.S. peanut output, earning it the nickname of the “Peanut State.” The state is also a major producer of naval stores, supplying 80% of the world’s demand for pine and turpentine.

Georgia ranks third in watermelon production and is the exclusive producer of Vidalia onions. Key commodities include broilers, chicken eggs, and cotton. With nearly 40,000 farms and almost 10 million acres of farmland, Georgia’s agricultural sector is robust and diverse. The state also boasts a significant number of female, male, and military service farmers.

Despite the challenges farmers face, including lack of health and crop insurance, they work tirelessly to sustain their livelihoods. The agricultural heritage runs deep in Georgia, with Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, a seventh-generation farmer, leading the charge to support the state’s farming community. As the state celebrates various events like the Masters and Braves games, the dedication and hard work of Georgia’s farmers remain a cornerstone of the state’s identity.