ATHENS, Ga. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Georgia, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, August 6, 2023. Precipitation ranged from trace amounts to 4.4 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. Average low temperatures ranged from the mid 60s to the mid 70s.

Crops
Scattered showers across parts of Georgia helped maintain adequate soil moisture levels, although there were some areas in need of rain. Almost 10 percent of the state was dealing with abnormally dry conditions according to the US Drought Monitor. Corn fields continued to mature as more areas began harvesting. Yield potential for corn was noted to be some of the best in the past few years across both dryland and irrigated corn in southwest and central Georgia. Corn rust was noted to be an issue in southern Georgia. Cotton squaring was nearing completion as plants continued setting bolls and some just beginning to open. Reporters in several areas of the state noted optimism regarding this year’s yield potential for cotton. Peanut pegging neared completion, although tomato spotted wilt virus was noted to be an issue in central Georgia. Soybeans continued blooming and setting pods. Growers were spraying insecticides, fungicides and herbicides on cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. Tobacco harvest continued to progress ahead of historical levels. Second cuttings of hay progressed as producers were scouting for armyworms. Relative forage quality was noted to be down on second cuttings in western Georgia.

Livestock and Pastures
Cattle and pastures were in good to fair condition throughout the state. High temperatures remained a concern for livestock producers.

To view the complete report please click here. GA-CropProgress-08-07-23 (1)

–USDA, NASS