Georgia Drought Starting to Affect Local Farmers
A shortage of rainfall across Georgia is forcing farmers in Oconee and Athens to make critical decisions about how they operate.
The growing drought across the southern United States is beginning to have an effect on many farming operations in Northeast Georgia, including some in Oconee and Athens-Clarke Counties. Monte Stephens, Oconee County’s UGA cooperative extension agent, says local cattle farmers are experiencing limited grazing capabilities due to the lack of rainfall, and will soon have to make very strategic decisions about how they run their operations. “Some farmers don’t have enough grass to feed the animals and they are having to buy more hay,” Stephens said. “They have to think more about conserving water and limiting grazing areas in order to give their pastures some rest.” Stephens added that if the drought continues, farmers would have to make …
Melissa Steele
8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2011
...or you can come cut the hay and have it all! It's mostly bermuda but some stickers in small patches. more ›