South Georgia Farmers Battle Severe Drought as Crops Wither and Costs Climb

THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. — Farmers across South Georgia are grappling with one of the toughest growing seasons in recent memory as a severe drought continues to choke crops and stretch already thin farm budgets. Despite scattered showers in recent weeks, the region remains parched, forcing many growers to make difficult choices about harvesting and irrigation.

Crops Struggling to Mature

For fifth-generation farmer Julie Hardy, who operates Hurst Farms in Thomas County, the drought has disrupted normal growth patterns. “You’ll have some that are mature, and then others that are less mature on the same plant because the drought will slow down the maturity,” Hardy explained. “So once that drought hits, you have a split crop and then you have to make the decision — do I dig them now or do I wait?”

The family-run farm produces peanuts, corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and some beef. Hardy said the dry soil has hardened, making it difficult to harvest. “When it gets dry and the ground is hard, you’ll have more peanuts fall off the vine, and the peanuts that fall off the vine cannot be harvested, so they are lost.”

Equipment Damage and Rising Costs

The drought is also taking a toll on machinery. Hardy noted that tractors and plows must work harder in tough soil, wearing down parts and slowing the harvesting process. “They have to go slower. They have to change the plow points more often. It is harder on the equipment, and we lose more peanuts,” she said.
With margins already razor-thin, these setbacks could be devastating. “When you are already on a tight budget and very razor thin, if not negative margins, every bit counts,” Hardy added.

Experts Warn of Reduced Yields

According to Sydni Ingram with the Thomas County UGA Extension Office, it’s still too early to determine the full impact on cotton, but the outlook isn’t optimistic. “We will likely see some yield reductions, maybe quality reductions in certain dry land fields, just depending on how severe the drought stress was,” Ingram said.

Meanwhile, local citrus growers are also feeling the strain. Lindy Savelle, who oversees citrus production in the area, said growers are being forced to irrigate more frequently, driving up costs. “We put a micro jet, irrigation stake on each tree that is primarily for cold protection. When you have to irrigate because there is no natural rainwater, your costs go up,” she said.

Five Inches of Rain Needed to End Drought

According to NOAA, South Georgia would need roughly five inches of rain within a month to alleviate current drought conditions. Until then, farmers are left managing the high costs of irrigation and reduced yields, hoping the next storm system brings meaningful relief.

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites readers to share how drought has impacted their communities and local economies. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to join the discussion and stay informed on regional weather and agricultural updates.