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ZEBULON - In the coming weeks, Georgia farmers will begin harvesting their spring crops of strawberries, Vidalia onions and blueberries. Many farmers are beginning to plant corn, and in May and June, they will plant their peanut, cotton and soybean crops.

To celebrate, Georgia Farm Bureau and other ag organizations across the state will observe Georgia Ag Week March 17-23 and celebrate National Ag Day on March 18. For 52 years, National Ag Day has been celebrated on or near the first day of spring, which arrives March 20.

“During Georgia Ag Week, I encourage everyone to take time to think about the many contributions farmers make to our daily lives,” said Ray Brumbeloe, Pike County Farm Bureau president. “Farmers keep us fed, clothed and housed. They also provide habitat to wildlife on their farms while protecting soil and water resources using environmentally friendly methods to grow their crops and livestock.”

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics show that Georgia farmers play a big role in feeding us. According to USDA statistics for 2023, Georgia farmers are the top peanut producers in the United States growing half the peanuts grown in our country, with most used to make peanut butter and snacks. Georgia farmers lead the nation in growing broilers, the chickens used to make our favorite chicken sandwiches, tenders and wings. In 2023, Georgia pecan growers ranked first in the U.S. in pecan production.

Georgia ranked second nationally in production of cotton and watermelons in 2023. Georgia ranked third in the U.S. for production of blueberries and bell peppers in 2023, and fourth for cabbage production, according to USDA data.

We can also thank Georgia farmers for growing timber to house us. Georgia consistently ranks as the top forestry state in the nation.

Most Georgians are multiple generations removed from the farm, so Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has prepared several videos that provide insight into Georgia agriculture. If you are interested in learning more about the crops and livestock grown in Georgia visit gfb.ag/gaagvideo.

Visit gfb.ag/agweek2025 to access the new 2025 Ag Week resources Georgia Farm Bureau has curated about gardening and taking soil samples geared for students. Visit www.gfb.org/learn/about-georgia-ag to download ag resources about a variety of ag topics including activity sheets, educational videos about numerous ag topics, easy craft ideas and much more.

Not only does Georgia agriculture feed and clothe us, but it also benefits our state economy. Agriculture and related industries contributed $91.4 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2023, according to the University of Georgia’s 2023 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report.

The Top 10 commodities Georgia farmers produced in 2023 were: broilers ($5.8 billion); eggs ($988 million); beef ($981.7 million); cotton ($938.6 million); peanuts ($915 million); timber ($885.8 million); greenhouse nurseries ($585 million); blueberries ($526.6 million); corn ($514 million); and dairy ($456.1 million) according to the report compiled by UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental economists from data collected by UGA Extension agents.

Food and fiber production and the process of getting the raw materials to consumers contributed more than 381,200 jobs for Georgians in 2023, the UGA report shows. Agricultural careers include crop and livestock research, engineering, precision ag specialists, software and IT work, agribusiness management, marketing, food product development and safety, processing, retailing, ag teachers, banking, bioenergy, livestock veterinarians and others.

Besides providing our basic needs and driving Georgia’s economy, farmers also protect the environment. Farmers prevent soil erosion and water runoff by planting cover crops and using minimum tillage methods like no-till or strip-till to plant their crops. These conservation tillage methods reduce the amount of fuel farmers use and sequester carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers use about 50% less fertilizer to produce a bushel of corn, wheat or soybeans than they did in 1980, the USDA reports. Farmers can do this by using GPS, sensors, field mapping software and tractors equipped with precision ag technology. These practices allow farmers to apply only the fertilizer and crop protectants that they absolutely need to grow a healthy crop.

To celebrate Georgia agriculture, the Pike County Farm Bureau will host its second annual Ag Week Recipe Contest. To follow the theme of the 2025 Book of the Year, “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden,” this year’s recipes will take inspiration from soil! A winner will be awarded from both adult and youth categories. Whether it is a Mississippi mud cake or an edible “dirt” sundae, submit your soil-themed recipes for a chance to win. All recipes must be submitted to the Pike County Farm Bureau office by close of business on Thursday, March 20 to be eligible for top honors.

ABOUT GEORGIA FARM BUREAU

Georgia Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state. As a membership-driven, nongovernmental organization, GFB serves as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia by advocating for them on legislative issues, promoting Georgia commodities and connecting consumers with agriculture. GFB also offers its members a wide variety of benefits, including insurance, travel and auto discounts. Enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership. For more information about agriculture please visit www.gfb.org, like Georgia Farm Bureau on Facebook or follow GFB on Twitter.