#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
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.

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:

Cade Fiske’s approach embodies the spirit of the FFA — blending education, leadership, and innovation to inspire the future of agriculture.
The Washington Tree Fruit Association says this is not surprising and notes the USDA has offered a lifeline to growers while they transition away from the cannery market.
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.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.