Tag Archives: farm input costs

Georgia Corn Comeback? Farmers Prepare for 2025 Amid Rising Costs & Drought Challenges

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Tifton, GA |

After seeing a significant drop in acres of corn being planted in Georgia last year, those numbers look to be on the rebound in 2025, especially with the issues other crops around the state are experiencing.

“I think that given some of the constraints with some of the other commodities, that we’re probably going to see an increase in corn acreage this year. I have a prediction but we’ll see if it comes to fruition this year, but I think there’s going to be a significant increase with the crop,” says Nicholas Shay, Extension Grains Agronomist.

Despite seeing prices surge by more than thirty percent over the past six months, growers must still walk a fine line in order to turn a profit, especially with the ever-increasing cost of production.

“To navigate that, we have to try to really manage our input efficiency the best we can, and really go back to the drawing board and count our pennies to make sure that we’re being as efficient as possible with our agronomic management or crop management plan in that, for the season,” says Shay.

Another major issue for growers is the long periods of dry weather throughout the state each and every year. It’s a factor that should always be accounted for when planning crop management.

“I think we can bet that every single year, there has been some sort of level of intermittent drought that has occurred. And so, I think really staying on top of your nutrient management and understanding how a crop responds to drought or to a treatment or a fertilizer application that you’re going to apply in the growing season,” says Shay.

The biggest defense against drought conditions is to implement preventative strategies as soon as possible.

“We have to prepare that crop for those stressful environments instead of reacting to a common symptom entomology we may see in the field. If we’d be proactive and have a proactive mitigation strategy, then maybe we can alleviate some of that stress in the growing season, especially when it comes to drought,” says Shay.

With that in mind, it’s never too early to start preparing, especially with planting season right around the corner.

“Growers should obviously be focusing on making sure their equipment is ready, land preparation this time of year, making sure that they have a good plan in place to start the year as far as fertility, as far as weed management, preparing that ground. Then making sure that they have that plan A, plan B in place to be proactive in their approach to mitigate those midseason or early season stresses that we can almost expect are going to occur,” says Shay.

By: Damon Jones

Farm Bureau Urges Swift Action on 2025 Farm Bill and Tax Policy

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Washington, D.C. |

In testimony before Congress, Farm Bureau President, Zippy Duvall pressed for urgent action on a modernized five-year farm bill, tax policy, and agricultural workforce challenges. Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar were thanked for their commitment to farmers, but the message was clear: delays in policy updates are threatening American agriculture.

Farm Bill Priorities
Duvall emphasized the need for increased funding, unified nutrition and farm programs, and strengthened risk management tools. “Farmers are facing mounting losses,” he testified. “With net farm income down $41 billion since 2022 and crop prices plummeting, the need for a stronger safety net has never been greater.” Rising input costs and economic uncertainty highlight the need for enhanced Title I safety net provisions.

Tax and Workforce Challenges
The looming expiration of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions could impose the largest tax hike in U.S. history on farm businesses. “Failing to extend these tax provisions will take billions out of farmers’ pockets at a time when they have no dollars to spare,” the testimony warned. Additionally, the lack of a sustainable agricultural workforce solution remains a major concern, forcing many farms to shut down. “The costs are too high, and the labor force is too small,” says Duvall. “If we don’t act now, we risk losing family farms at an unprecedented rate.”

Trade and Crop Protection
Farmers struggle with supply chain disruptions, high production costs, and regulatory uncertainty over crop protection tools. “Ongoing inflation, supply issues, and inconsistent regulations are creating a perfect storm for farmers and ranchers,” Duvall explained. Meanwhile, U.S. agriculture saw a $32 billion trade deficit in 2024, contrasting with past trade surpluses. “Our ability to compete globally is being hindered by trade barriers and lack of market access.” Expanded market access and reduced trade barriers are needed to restore competitiveness.

Call to Action
Duvall urged Congress to act swiftly on these issues, emphasizing the urgency of protecting farmers’ livelihoods and sustaining rural communities. “American agriculture is at a crossroads,” Duvall concluded. “Without decisive action, our food security, economy, and rural way of life are at risk.”

You can watch the hearing, here.