#Plant26: Severe Drought Slows Spring Planting Progress in Georgia

Donald Chase of Chase Farms joined us to discuss drought conditions, planting progress, input costs, and the outlook for Georgia agriculture.

OGLETHORPE, Ga. (RFD NEWS) —Spring planting progress shows southern farmers navigating severe drought, with some pausing planting until conditions improve.

Donald Chase, owner of Chase Farms and Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report with the latest update from his region.

In his interview with RFD News, Chase provided background on his corn and peanut operation and shared how long he has been farming. He also discussed current weather conditions, noting the impact of the drought on his area this season.

Chase addressed planting progress, explaining how dry conditions have affected timing and whether they have pushed operations off schedule. He compared this year’s conditions to previous seasons and how they stack up so far.

He also spoke about input costs, including fertilizer and diesel, and whether those challenges have created hurdles or if supplies were already secured. In addition, Chase discussed the outlook for peanuts as Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, including industry concerns and recent demand trends.

Finally, he shared his outlook for the growing season moving forward.

Related Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Gold says AI can improve access to information but should not replace health care professionals.
Fred Nichols explains how crop residue can provide valuable nutrients and help protect soil, but farmers need to consider how to make those nutrients available for the next crop.
Williams is the first Tennessean in 10 years to hold a National FFA officer position.
Paul Mitchell of Imogene Ingredients says a recent University of Nebraska feedlot trial found Farmatan improved cattle weight and feed efficiency and reduced liver abscesses versus controls.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to lower diesel costs, including expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel as farmers face high harvest fuel prices.
Ohio’s 90-day fuel-tax suspension provides temporary relief as farmers work through harvest, but Ohio Farm Bureau President Brad Bales says longer-term solutions are needed to address higher production costs.
Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million as demand for 2027 grain rail capacity increased.
Rising Treasury yields could keep farm borrowing costs elevated heading into 2027.
Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.
Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
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.