Deer are the #1 economic pest in the state of Georgia

Weather is not the only ever-changing issue impacting crop production, pests are top of mind as well.

A recent study in the state of Georgia found that deer cost cotton farmers as much as $152 million dollars in 2023 alone, making the likes of Bambi Georgia cotton’s #1 economic pest.

Lee Cromley, who farms in Bulloch Country outside of Savannah shared with Southeast Farm Press estimated that 15-20% of his cotton fields showed severe damage, that is on top of 20% of his acres with moderate damage.
While deer have always been a problem in the cotton-producing state, the apparent recent flair has left UGA Extension Professionals puzzled.

Related Stories
China’s pledge is supportive, but producers need confirmed sales and shipments before counting it as stronger export demand.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
Corn demand received another boost last week as ethanol production climbed to a five-week high.
StoneX analyst Josh Linville says global supply risks and continued dependence on imported urea are keeping fertilizer markets on edge.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says senators are trying to align the E15 effort with broader Farm Bill negotiations as producers continue grappling with weak farm income and elevated costs.

Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.