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2013 Vegetable Crops Research Report (AP 113) This publication contains a report of research trials done on vegetable crops in Georgia in 2013.

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast (AP 130-1) Each year, UGA's agricultural economists develop a comprehensive overview to help various sectors of the agriculture industry navigate the year ahead. As Georgia's land-grant university, the University of Georgia conducts cutting-edge research on critical and emerging issues that are important to the agriculture industry. From this research, UGA provides the best information and education availabl…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2022–2023 Commercial Poultry Outlook (AP 130-1-09) 1. The domestic chicken market is strong with a good supply in the short- to midterm, though highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to loom large in the United States and could be a major impact in 2023. 2. High building costs an increasing interest rates are obstacles to expansion on the live side. 3. Future changes to the contract-grower pay model could be beneficial to growers, b…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Beef Cattle Outlook (AP 130-1-07) 1. Severe drought elevated cow slaughter in 2022. With fewer cows to slaughter in 2023, cattle prices are expected to increase. 2. China could become the largest export destination for U.S. beef in 2023. 3. As per capita beef consumption grows, there also will be a growing interest in plant-based alternatives.

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Outlook (AP 130-1-06) 1. The Russia-Ukraine war and Mexico’s plan to ban genetically modified corn from the United States will increase uncertainty regarding corn prices. 2. The United States and the world will continue to have a tight wheat supply in 2023, supporting higher than average wheat prices. 3. The low ending stocks of U.S. soybeans indicate the need for more soybeans. Ending stocks might improve in 2023, lea…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Cotton Outlook (AP 130-1-03) 1. Reduction in consumer demand for cotton related products will suppress cotton prices in 2023. 2. U.S. cotton acreage and production likely will decline in 2023 because of lower relative-price expectations with competing crops. 3. The cotton production profit margin likely will be lower in 2023 with high input costs and low cotton prices.

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Fruits and Tree Nuts Outlook (AP 130-1-04) 1. The three major U.S. peach-producing states experienced a significant fall in production which cumulatively reduced our 2022 production by 15%. Since it is difficult to predict whether the weather and water shortage that contributed to the decrease in production will persist, chances are that the situation may improve in 2023, but not by much. 2. The significantly high price received by…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Pork Outlook (AP 130-1-08) 1. 2022 U.S. pork prices continue to increase because of the limited number of slaughter-ready pigs. 2. Good outlook for 2023 as feed prices likely decrease and export demand increases.

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Vegetables and Pulses Outlook (AP 130-1-05) 1. Although the total U.S. fresh vegetable and harvested area decreased by 7% in 2021 compared to 2020, the harvested area is expected to improve in 2023—but not enough to offset 2021. 2. Total vegetables and pulses imports were $18.6 billion in 2021, an increase of 10.2% compared to 2020. This import trend is expected in 2023 despite the supply chain disruption. 3. Production i…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Georgia Agritourism, Tourism and Travel 2023 (AP 130-1-13) 1. Visitor spending continues to increase in Georgia’s rural communities. 2. Total economic output for accommodations and food services in Georgia’s rural counties increased 26.7% in 2021 compared to 2020. 3. Visitations to state parks and outdoor recreation areas in rural communities increased 24% in 2021 compared to 2020.

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Green Industry 2023 (AP 130-1-12) 1. 2022 was a good year for many green industry firms, with many firms seeing increased profits. 2. There are many unknowns going into 2023 that will impact green industry sales, including higher inflation and interest rates, mixed signals within the economy, and the impact of varying strength of the housing market in Georgia. 3. Green industry sales in Georgia are projected to be similar to 2022 …

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Honey Bees 2023 (AP 130-1-10) 1. Honey production overall for 2022 was below average for the state. However, in some regions yields of two types of honey, northern wildflower and sourwood, were above average. 2. Colony losses for commercial operations were higher than 2021, with some reporting a 60%–70% loss, and backyard beekeepers in some cases experiencing losses above 80%. 3. Varroa destructor (parasitic mites) remains the…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Overall Georgia and U.S. Economic Outlook (AP 130-1-01) Each year, UGA's agricultural economists develop a comprehensive overview to help various sectors of the agriculture industry navigate the year ahead. As Georgia's land-grant university, the University of Georgia conducts cutting-edge research on critical and emerging issues that are important to the agriculture industry. From this research, UGA provides the best information and education availabl…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Peanut Situation and 2023 Outlook (AP 130-1-02) 1. Planted acres are expected to increase in 2023 in the United States and Georgia, a reversal of the 2-year decline in planted acres. 2. Georgia forward contract prices are expected to be down with an estimated season average price of $475 per ton (ranging $450–$500 per ton). 3. Peanut disappearance of the 2022–2023 crop is projected to remain strong at 3 million tons; this is supported by foreca…

2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Timber Situation and 2023 Outlook (AP 130-1-11) 1. Inflation remains a persistent challenge. 2. Housing activity is beginning to moderate. 3. U.S. South softwood lumber market share is increasing along with production capacity. Plentiful timber supplies and capital expenditures are positives. Authors of this section are Tyler Reeves and Amanda Lang, Forisk Consulting; and Joe Parsons and Yanshu Li, Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Beef Cattle Outlook (AP 130-2-08) 1. The beef cattle outlook is positive in 2024. Tight supplies and stable consumer demand are expected to push cattle prices higher in the year ahead. 2. Risks come from the demand side if U.S. consumers are uninterested or unable to pay for higher-priced beef. Additionally, input cost uncertainty may squeeze margins. 3. Overall, beef cattle prices are expected to move higher year-over-year throug…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Outlook (AP 130-2-06) 1. Tighter margins are expected in 2024 for corn, soybeans, and wheat as commodity prices are forecast to be lower and input prices are expected to be flat. 2. Growing demand for sustainable biodiesel fuels will slow soybean price declines relative to the decline in corn prices. 3. Expect more acres planted to soybeans and fewer acres planted to corn and wheat.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Cotton Outlook (AP 130-2-04) 1. U.S. cotton acreage and production are likely to decline in 2024 because of lower relative price expectations with competing crops. 2. The cotton production profit margin is likely to be lower in 2024 with high input costs and low cotton prices.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Dairy Outlook (AP 130-2-09) 1. The outlook for 2024 is an improvement over 2023 as feed costs should decline and milk prices remain at similar levels in 2024. 2. Risks remain as improved margins may spur a strong production response and demand growth is uncertain both domestically and overseas.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Fruits and Tree Nuts Outlook (AP 130-2-10) 1. High prices for peach producers helped a strong producer price index in the 2022–2023 crop season. The PPI is expected to stay strong in 2024. 2. Favorable prices came from production shortages, caused by bad weather in Q1 of 2023 that devasted the Georgia and South Carolina peach industries. 3. Citrus experienced the lowest production recorded in 50 years, and growers now prefer fresh market c…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Georgia Ag Forecast (AP 130-2) Each year, UGA's agricultural economists develop a comprehensive overview to help various sectors of the agriculture industry navigate the year ahead. As Georgia's land-grant university, the University of Georgia conducts cutting-edge research on critical and emerging issues that are important to the agriculture industry. From this research, UGA provides the best information and education availabl…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Georgia Agriculture Outlook (AP 130-2-02) 1. Food and commodity prices are expected to return to prepandemic levels. 2. Coupled with increasing costs, the nation’s farm income is expected to decline by 17% between 2022 and 2023. 3. Georgia’s 2023 net farm income is likely to return to the 10-year average of about $3 billion. 4. Potential upsides for Georgia are the possibility of higher demand for poultry, cotton, and peanuts from domes…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Inputs and Production Expenditures Forecast (AP 130-2-03) 1. Farm input expenses continued to increase in 2023; when adjusted for inflation, they remained below 2014’s record highs. 2. Notable changes in 2023 included reductions in farm interest and fertilizer expenses. 3. Total production expenses are forecast to decline slightly with the largest changes in interest, fertilizer, and pesticide categories.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Overall U.S. and Georgia Economic Outlook (AP 130-2-01) Each year, UGA's agricultural economists develop a comprehensive overview to help various sectors of the agriculture industry navigate the year ahead. As Georgia's land-grant university, the University of Georgia conducts cutting-edge research on critical and emerging issues that are important to the agriculture industry. From this research, UGA provides the best information and education availabl…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Poultry Outlook (AP 130-2-07) 1. The broiler chicken outlook in 2024 is neutral to positive; consumer demand should remain steady and feed costs should decrease. 2. Risks to the chicken outlook include significant HPAI outbreaks and expensive housing. 3. Baseline chicken prices are expected to be similar to 1-year-ago levels. Production uncertainty is the main driver of price uncertainty for 2024.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Vegetables and Pulses Outlook (AP 130-2-11) 1. Total harvested area of vegetables and pulses decreased by 3.2% from 2021 to 2022, and fresh and processed vegetable area harvested decreased by 5.1%; the situation is expected to deteriorate in 2024. 2. 2022 total imports of vegetables and pulses were $18.7 billion, an increase of 11.1% compared to 2021; this import trend is expected to continue. 3. Per capita vegetable consumption may increa…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Agritourism, Hospitality, and Travel 2024 (AP 130-2-14) 1. Total number of trips among U.S. travel will grow 4.3% in 2024. 2. In 2023, pick-your-own farms and wineries/distilleries/breweries comprised almost 20% of the state’s agritourism attractions. 3. 2023 hotel demand will end with modest growth for rural and urban counties. 4. In 2022, total gross demand for accommodations in Georgia’s rural counties increased 24.7%; there was a 13.7% increase for…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Georgia’s Alcoholic Beverage Industry 2024 Outlook (AP 130-2-15) 1. All three alcoholic beverage sectors in Georgia experienced significant growth over the last 20 years and are poised to keep growing. 2. Breweries had the highest total demand in 2022 ($1.1 billion), followed closely by wineries ($970 million). Distilleries saw the highest average 5-year growth rate—6% YOY. 3. Sourcing local ingredients will continue to help beverage producers in the state diff…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Green Industry 2024 (AP 130-2-12) 1. 2023 was a good year for many green industry firms, but not as good as 2020–2022. 2. The unknowns going into 2024 include higher inflation and interest rates, mixed signals within the economy, increased input costs, and variability in the housing market. 3. Green industry sales in Georgia are projected to be lower than 2023 levels.

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Peanut 2024 Outlook (AP 130-2-05) 1. Peanut yields were down in 2023, but demand continues to remain strong and stocks remain steady. Prices are expected to hold strong. 2. The increased cost of production in recent years has remained elevated, with the Farm Bill safety net providing no support. 3. Contracting, controlling costs, and careful evaluation of crop insurance are primary risk-management strategies for producers. Forecas…

2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Timber Situation and 2024 Outlook (AP 130-2-13) 1. Demand for softwood lumber and structural panels is expected to improve as interest rates drop and single-family housing starts resume their long-term trajectory. 2. Increased softwood lumber mill capacity across the South adds upward pressure on pine sawtimber prices; however, the region’s oversupply of sawtimber trees on the stump is expected to exert strong downward pressure on prices. 3. …

Canola Production in Georgia (B 1331) Growing canola profitably takes planning and good management. All aspects of production from seed selection to harvest to marketing must be taken into account if the grower is to make a profit with this crop. Land preparation, fertility management, weed and other pest control, and timely harvest and marketing are all components of a good canola production package. Before you grow canola, dedicate …

Commercial Blueberry Inventory and Prospectus, Georgia, 2002 (RR 693) Both rabbiteye and highbush blueberries are produced in Georgia. The plants can produce a commercially viable crop for years. The long-term nature of the investment in the blueberry orchard calls for periodic updates on the situation of the blueberry industry. Information about the location of plants, varieties, plant age, and the use of cultural practices are important in decisions to alloc…

Commercial Snap Bean Production in Georgia (B 1369) This is an in-depth publication covering Culture and Varieties, Soils and Fertility, Irrigation, Sprayers, Diseases, Insect Management, Weed Control, Food Safety and Sanitation, Harvest/Post-Harvest and Waste Management, Marketing, Production Costs, and Organic Production of commercial snap bean production in Georgia.

Commodity Options as Price Insurance for Cattlemen (B 1405) One of the greatest risks cattle producers face is price risk. Price changes can come in the form of declining cattle prices for sellers, increasing cattle prices for buyers or increasing feed prices for feed users. Because of this risk, producers might want to “insure” feeder cattle, fed cattle or feed against unfavorable price movements, while still being able to take advantage of favorable pric…

Consumer Demand for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in the U.S. (1960-1993) (RB 431) Price and expenditure elasticities at the retail level between 1960 and 1993 were estimated for 11 fresh fruits and 10 fresh vegetables by employing a composite demand system approach and using annual data. Most fresh fruits and vegetables were found to respond significantly to changes in their own prices but insignificantly to changes in expenditures. The study partially incorporated the interdep…

Cost of Irrigation Ownership and Operating Costs through Irrigation Budgets for South Georgia (C 1235) These irrigation budgets, developed by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, are estimates of the irrigation costs of a center pivot irrigation system located in southeast Georgia. Our intention is to provide flexible, user-friendly irrigation budgets with default values. That being said, the variation among different farm conditions can impact investment costs and annual costs associated w…

Cutting Costs, Not Corners: Managing Cattle in Tough Times (B 1373) Cutting costs allows producers to survive during trying times and also teaches valuable lessons that may actually increase profits in future years. Cutting corners, on the other hand, may save some money in the short-run but ultimately will have very detrimental effects.

Dairy Business Analysis Project: 1999 Summary for Florida and Georgia Dairies (B 1205-1) The Dairy Business Analysis Project was initiated in 1996 to measure and document the financial performance of Florida dairy businesses using standardized accounting measures, so uniform comparisons could be made among participants. Formal collaboration between the Universities of Florida and Georgia began in 1998. This publication presents the results from fiscal year 1999 information.

Economic Impact of the Georgia Green Industry, 2013 (C 1138) The state of Georgia ranked ninth out of all states in 2013 for green industry (not including sod production, as this was not included in the analysis) economic contributions (including multiplier effects) to employment (64,066 jobs) and GDP ($3.79 billion) and tenth in total industry output ($6.72 billion). The largest individual sector in regard to output and employment both directly and indirec…

Economics of Farm Storage Buildings (B 1173) It is widely accepted that storing farm equipment under a shelter is better than storing it outside and that hay stored in a barn is better than hay stored in the field. But how can we determine just how much a farm storage building is worth? The answer is different for every individual operation, but there are some guidelines that will help you make an intelligent decision about whether or not yo…

Estimating Crude Protein Variability and Savings of Broiler Feeds Using Microsoft Excel (B 1430) This publication describes Microsoft Excel workbooks designed to calculate the effects of dividing ingredients into above- and below-average portions (2-bin method) and the costs of providing nutrients at specified confidence levels.

Financial Analysis of Methyl Bromide and Mulch Alternatives for Bell Pepper in Georgia (B 1411) This publication contains a financial analysis of alternatives to methyl bromide and mulch for bell pepper in Georgia. This research is aimed at seeking the best fumigant substitute for methyl bromide (MB) along with the perfect mulch complement that effectively enhances production yield and profitability potential. The main goal of this report is to make the alternatives accessible to farmers thr…

Forage Systems for Stocker Cattle (B 1392) This publication provides a guide to the various forage systems that could be used for stocker development and provides guidelines for managing grazing or hay harvests for optimum forage yield and quality.

Georgia Farm Record Book (B 722) This publication is intended to provide you with a useful aid in the business management of your farming operation. Spaces is provided for recording farm receipts and expenses, capital transactions, inventories, credit accounts, net worth statements, crop records, and individual labor records for Social Security purposes.

Impacts of the Great Recession and Drought on the Environmental Horticulture Industry (C 1119) The environmental horticulture industry, unlike many industries, is intricately connected to the national, regional, and local economy as plant and turfgrass sales ebb and flow with economic conditions. This publication updates readers on the national, regional, and local economic factors that have affected the environmental horticulture industry. Since the recession and drought of the mid-2000s, …

Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments for Upland Cotton (C 1194) The Agricultural Act of 2018 (2018 U.S. Farm Bill) extended the cotton commodity loan programs for the 2019 through 2023 crop years. Cotton commodity loan programs include the marketing assistance loan (MAL) program and the loan deficiency payment (LDP) program. These programs provide cotton producers with alternative marketing tools during periods of low cotton prices. Cotton producers can receiv…

Nutritional Response Models: A Workbook to Fit Data From Nutritional Experiments to Several Models (RB 440) This Excel workbook will allow you to fit data from nutritional experiments to several models. It includes a PowerPoint presentation that shows you how to use the Excel workbook to fit several regression models to experimental data. The models may be used to estimate nutritional requirements or the most economical feeding levels of critical nutrients. All you need is Microsoft Excel (with macros e…

Organic Cover Crop Seed Production in Georgia (B 1436) Cover crops are in essential part of an organic production system. Cereal rye and crimson clover are cover crops that are commonly used. If organic cover crop production is a viable enterprise for growers, it could improve the availability of varieties adapted to the Southeast; provide a source for locally grown seeds; and be another profit center for growers, seed cleaners, and local seed compani…

Production Costs vs. Feeding Value of Forages (C 1020) Determining an equitable price for purchased forages is a necessary but often uncomfortable topic of discussion for feed growers and purchasers. Usually this discussion is in the context of corn silage; however, the same principles can be used in any discussion involving hay, baleage or grains. In order for an input market to be efficient, the price agreed upon by both buyers and sellers should ad…

Profitable Cattle Marketing for the Cow-Calf Producer (B 1078) Profitable cattle marketing means producing the most profitable calf, selling through the most profitable market outlet and pricing at the most profitable time. Unfortunately, most cow-calf producers simply sell their calves. Marketing means choices on how or what to put on the market, where to market and when to price. The first step in becoming a cattle marketer is to recognize all your alternat…

Soil Salinity Testing, Data Interpretation and Recommendations (C 1019) The University of Georgia Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories offer soil salinity testing to help farmers and the general public diagnose and manage problems associated with soil salinity. By definition, a saline soil contains excess soluble salts that reduce the growth of most crops or ornamental plants. This publication discusses soil salinity testing, data interpretation and re…

Southern Highbush Blueberry Marketing and Economics (B 1413) To be more competitive, Georgia blueberry producers have to increase their yields to match or better the average U.S. values. This increase can occur through an improvement of the agricultural practices and a better mastery of blueberry cultivation. This publication contains information to help Southern Highbush blueberry growers in Georgia maximize their profits.

The Business of Beginning Farming: Getting started, financing, licenses, tax exemptions, and more (C 1283) Starting a farming or commercial production enterprise requires more than knowledge of agriculture or livestock management. The business side of farming is a critical factor in the success and sustainability of the enterprise. New and beginning farmers have many questions about planning, licensing requirements, financing options, training, and more (see Table 2). This publication can help answer s…

Timeline of the U.S.–China Trade Dispute and Tariffs on Cotton and Textile Trade (C 1259) In 2018, the Trump Administration proclaimed significant changes in tariff actions on a variety of U.S. imports, which led to retaliation by U.S. trading partners—including China and many U.S. allies. These actions led to a 2-year trade dispute between the United States and China. Global commercial ties were destabilized and the trade and investment transactions and flows were hampered by the resu…

UGA Feed Cost Analyzer (B 1377) The UGA Feed Cost Analyzer is a spreadsheet-based decision aid to compare potential feedstuffs on a price per pound of crude protein and energy (total digestible nutrients; TDN). This program consists of a feed library prepopulated with some common feedstuffs, a least cost feedstuff analyzer, and a feedstuffs replacement calculator. Each page contains step by step directions on how to use this dec…

Understanding and Using Cattle Basis in Managing Price Risk (B 1406) Understanding the concept of basis is a key element in developing a sound marketing plan. Basis refers to the relationship between a commodity’s cash price in a local market and its futures market price. A more formal definition of basis is the difference between the cash price and the futures price for the time, place and quality where delivery actually occurs. Even if a producer never uses the c…

Upland Cotton Marketing Using MAL and LDP: Which Option is Better? (C 1222) The Agricultural Act of 2018 (2018 U.S. Farm Bill) extended the nonrecourse marketing assistance loan (MAL) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) feature for the 2019 through 2023 crop years for upland cotton. This publication provides examples and a decision tree for choosing between the marketing assistance loan and loan deficiency payment program for cotton.

Using Futures Markets to Manage Price Risk in Feeder Cattle Operations (B 1404) In today’s farming environment of extreme price volatility and large debt commitments, most livestock producers need the security of one or more of the advantages offered by price risk management. Livestock producers who are selling products or purchasing inputs can do one of two things when making pricing decisions: accept the market price when they are ready to deliver products or purchase input…

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