By Clint Thompson
Georgia cotton producers are in the midst of harvesting this year’s crop. That means cotton pickers are traveling up and down the roads from one field to another at slow speeds.
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and executive director Taylor Sills encourage drivers to implore patience if they are behind a tractor or harvester that is traveling from field to field.
“Our people are operating large, sophisticated pieces of equipment. The folks out on the road need to understand that they can wait a couple of more minutes. These things are big. They’re hard to slow down, and they’re hard to speed up. Their task is very important. Give them a little grace, and give them a little space,” Sills said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 39% of Georgia’s cotton crop was harvested for the week ending Oct. 27, compared to 29% for the same week last year and 29% for the week ending Oct. 20.
Also, it was reported that 42% of Georgia’s cotton crop was in fair condition; 28% was in good condition and 18% in poor condition.
It was also noted that 97% of cotton bolls were opened in Georgia for the week ending Oct. 27, compared to 94% for the week ending Oct. 20.