While the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is busy this week at the 2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo, it is also working with those in the industry dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. GPC Executive Director Don Koehler spoke with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman about the issues affecting the state’s peanut industry right now. Georgia Peanut Industry Dealing with Aftermath of Michael …
Hurricane Michael Damage to Georgia Agriculture
“Unfortunately, our worst thoughts were realized. We saw months and sometimes years of work just laid over on the ground in a matter of seconds. Georgia has long led in the production of several renowned commodities and now we have the dubious distinction of also leading in the devastation and incredible loss of these prominent crops. These are generational losses …
Commissioner Black Gets First Glimpse of Hurricane Michael’s Damage
Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black got his first glance of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Michael during a brief flyover on Friday with Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission Chuck Williams. “Unfortunately, our worst thoughts were realized, “said Commissioner Black. “We saw months and sometimes years of work just laid over on the ground in a matter of seconds.” Pecan …
Hurricane Hammers Hope for Wiregrass Cotton
Hurricane Michael hammered the Southeast corner of Alabama Oct. 10, ripping apart what some farmers predicted was the area’s best cotton crop in years. The Category 4 hurricane sustained winds of 155 mph as it landed in Mexico Beach, Florida, and packed a punch when it rolled through Fred Helms’ Rehobeth farm about 70 miles from the coast. “This year …
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Briefs Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Initial Agricultural Damage
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, and today Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam briefed Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on the initial agricultural damage assessment. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black joined Commissioner Putnam for the briefing. Commissioner Putnam’s statement is below: “Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, and the safety …
Assessing Agricultural Damage in Georgia
Farmers and others involved in agriculture in Georgia have been busy assessing the damage to their crops and buildings after Hurricane Michael worked its way through the state. Some growers saw the wrath of Hurricane Michael, while others experienced Tropical Storm Michael. Staff with the Georgia Department of Agriculture toured some of the areas hit by the storm. Many acres …
Peanut Production Sees Slight Increase, Still Down From Last Year
When USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service released their October crop reports today, they indicated that U.S. peanut production is now forecast at 5.77 billion pounds, up slightly from the September forecast, but still down 19 percent from last year’s 7.12 billion pounds. The harvested area this year is expected to total 1.38 million acres, down slightly from the September forecast …
Peanut Celebrations Happening in October / Hampton Farms Expanding Peanut Operation
A lot of celebrations going on as peanut farmers trying to stay ahead of the storm and get as many peanuts in before Hurricane Michael moves into the area. Peanut Celebrations Happening in October / Hampton Farms Expanding Peanut Operation Celebrations are going on at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. Continues through the 14th. The Sunbelt Ag Expo …
Hurricane Michael May Cause Problems for Southeast Crops
Tropical Storm Michael has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. It now is threatening the United States Gulf Coast and a few major crops. Storm surge, heavy rain and strong winds are possible on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The storm is coming at a poor time for cotton, peanut and pecan farmers. Michael May Cause Problems for Southeast Crops …
Peanut Stocks, Processing, Usage Report
Peanut Stocks, Processing, Usage Report Peanut farmers are busy bringing in the crop. About 50 percent complete in the tristate area. We are showing now for Stocks and Processing, issued by USDA for the month of August, peanut stocks in commercial storage is now at 2.31 billion pounds. That is up 120 percent from last year. That is what has …