Georgia Peach Growers Brace for Smaller Crop After Frost Damage

Farmers say weather extremes and rising costs are creating a more challenging season across Georgia peach country.

CONCORD, Ga. (Farm Monitor) — A mix of weather extremes is shaping Georgia’s peach crop this year as growers continue dealing with the impact of late-season frost damage.

Early warming conditions followed by colder weather reduced expectations for this season’s harvest, leaving many farms managing a smaller crop heading into summer.

Growers also say higher input costs continue adding pressure during an already difficult growing season.

Stuart Gregg with Gregg Farms says the operation is adjusting the best it can with the crop available.

“We’ll have a crop this year. It’ll just be a little bit shorter. We might not be open every day, might not have U-Pick every day, but we’ll have something throughout the summer it just won’t be like other seasons when you have a bumper crop.”

Despite the setbacks, growers say customers can still expect Georgia peaches this summer, though harvest availability may not match previous years.

Related Stories
Discussions focused on rising costs and the future of farm policy.
After a challenging year, Georgia pecan growers are looking ahead with cautious optimism as costs and global tensions weigh on the future of the crop.
The Farm Monitor takes us along to see how they’re leaning on technology to improve poultry production.
The Farm Monitor says Georgia farmers highlighted profitability and labor challenges during a Farm Bureau event with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden.
Georgia Rep. Jaclyn Ford reflects on her farming roots and cotton gin experience, saying agriculture drives her work and rural policy priorities in the state.
Museum explores how early car makers played a part in advancing agriculture

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
Commissioner Sid Miller says productive farmland, water resources, and rural infrastructure are increasingly under pressure as data centers continue growing across Texas.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Congressman Mark Messmer discusses the Farm Bill, rural investment priorities, Prop 12, and support for farmers facing economic pressure.