Top Agriculture Crops in the State of Georgia

The state of Georgia is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, with a diverse range of crops cultivated throughout the state. The state is blessed with a perfect climate that allows tremendous growing opportunities for farmers. Almost any crop can be cultivated successfully somewhere within the state.

When it comes to the top agricultural crops for Georgia, there are many prominent names that stand out. Once known as a cotton state, Georgia is now the leading producer of peanuts, pecans, blueberries, and sweet peaches. The state accounts for 2% of the country's total agricultural sales. Georgia farmers produce over 30 different vegetable crops on a commercial scale. It also ranks high in the production of cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelon, and sweet corn.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at Georgia's agriculture industry, the top agricultural crops in Georgia, and the importance of agriculture in the state's economy.

Overview of Georgia Agriculture Industry

The Georgia agriculture industry is the state's oldest and largest sector, dating back to the arrival of English colonists in 1733. It has played a significant role in the state's economy for nearly three centuries and contributes billions of dollars each year. The food and fiber sector in the state is highly diversified, encompassing the production and processing of a wide range of agricultural products. It is known for being a leading producer of corn, cotton, sweet Georgia peaches, peanuts, pecans, delicious Vidalia onions, and many more.

According to statistics from the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Georgia agriculture industry accounts for 10% of the state's GDP, 15% of employment in Georgia, and 91.4 billion dollars in the economy.

Top Crops in Georgia

Now, let's look at Georgia's top crops. These crops are ranked by the total annual value of production in 2024.

Peanuts

Annual Production Value: $773.8 million

Peanuts are Georgia's official number one crop, yielding 3.21 billion pounds of peanuts. The peanut industry contributes a significant portion of the state's agricultural revenue and supports thousands of jobs.

In Georgia, the peanut crop is planted after the last spring frost in April or May, when soil temperatures range between 65° and 70°F. Farmers in Georgia typically grow over 650,000 acres of peanuts annually. All the data reveal that it is the leading peanut-producing state in the United States.

Cotton

Annual Production Value: $658.6 million

Cotton has been a staple crop in Georgia's agricultural industry for a long time. It is the second-largest cotton-producing state in the country after Texas, producing 1.9 million bales of cotton. Georgia had 1.1 million cotton acres planted and produced a yield of 858 LB per acre.

Georgia was the first state to commercially produce cotton, with the first plantings near Savannah in 1734. Cotton has played a huge role in Georgia's entry into the war, wartime experience, and its postwar efforts to rebuild. Today, Georgians farm cotton not only in fields of the southern part of the state but also in the valleys and flat areas of the northern region. Cotton farming is no longer limited to small farmers. The majority of Georgia cotton is produced by agricultural businesses that own large areas of cotton land.

Corn

Annual Production Value: $223.7 million

Corn is an economically significant agricultural crop in Georgia, accounting for the third-largest row crop acreage in the state behind peanuts and cotton. In addition to corn's high economic value, it is used in crop rotations alongside peanuts, soybeans, cotton, and horticultural crops.

Georgia produces two varieties of corn: field corn (for livestock) and sweet corn. Field corn largely contributes to the dairy, poultry, and ethanol industries. On the other hand, sweet corn can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned. Georgia sweet corn is nutritious and delicious.

Pecans

Annual Production Value: $164.2 million

Georgia is the nation's top pecan supplier, accounting for about 33% of U.S. pecan production. This state ranks number one in the country for pecans, with over 144,000 acres and 17 consecutive years of production.

Pecans are a delicious and nutrient-rich food, containing over 19 minerals and vitamins. Its rich, buttery taste allows you to enjoy it in a sweet and savory flavor in cakes, candies, fudge, and pecan pie.

Blueberries

Annual Production Value: $157.9 million

Blueberries are another popular agricultural crop in Georgia, with the state producing over 135.79 million pounds annually. According to statistics, the blueberry industry in the state is experiencing rapid growth, with new farmlands and processing facilities emerging throughout the state.

Rabbiteye blueberry bushes are native to Georgia and account for most of the state's commercial production. In Georgia, blueberries are planted from late fall or winter, from December to February. You can also plant blueberries in early spring after the final frost, but fall planting allows the blueberry bushes to grow a strong root system.

In Georgia, blueberries are grown commercially primarily in the southern part, with some cultivation also occurring in the northern part of the Georgia mountains. It is the state's main summer crop, so it requires proper irrigation.

Learn how to grow blueberries.

Peaches

Annual Production Value: $69.5 million

Georgia, also known as the Peach State, is the second-largest peach-producing state in the United States. Peaches in Georgia were initially grown during the colonial era. After the Civil War, the state's peach growers developed excellent new varieties that significantly improved the commercial peach industry, earning Georgia the nickname "Peach State." Late winter or early spring is the ideal time to plant peaches, when the trees are dormant. Georgia peaches are in season from late May to early August.

Georgia has two peach-growing regions. The central region produces about 1.6 million peach trees, while the southern region of the state produces around 30 million pounds of peaches every year.

Tomatoes

Annual Production Value: $90.5 million

Tomatoes are one of the top agricultural crops in Georgia and the most beloved vegetables among gardeners. It contributes 6.8% of the state's total production value. Tomatoes are considered the most prized vegetable in the garden. It's hard to imagine any vegetable garden that doesn't include at least a few tomato plants. Juicy and high in vitamins A and C, tomatoes are the healthiest crops.

Tomato plants can be planted in the garden in late spring or early summer, from mid-March to early May, after the risk of frost has passed. Some southern regions of Georgia can produce a second crop of tomatoes when planted in late July.

Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest tomatoes!

Cabbage

Annual Production Value: $29.8 million

The cabbage and leafy greens vegetable industry accounts for over 20% of the Georgia vegetable industry's farmland, with nearly 30,000 acres under production in a typical year. Cabbage is a wonderful cool-weather crop that is cultivated in the cool weather conditions of spring and fall.

Georgia's climate allows for cabbage cultivation year-round, but the optimal times to plant this healthy cruciferous vegetable are spring and fall. Cabbage is not only useful in the kitchen, but it can also endure heat, drought, and mild freezes in the field, making it an ideal crop for South Georgia. These nutritious greens will add color to your dishes and beneficial nutrients. Learn how to grow cabbage!

Note: All the production value data is taken from the USDA 2024 State Agriculture Overview Report.

Tips for Sustainable Agriculture in Georgia

Georgia agriculture facts reveal that farmers in the state's agricultural industry face several challenges, including climate change, pests and diseases, water shortages, and market fluctuations. As a result, farmers and producers in Georgia are adopting sustainable agriculture practices to address the challenges they face.

If you are also looking to enter Georgia's agricultural industry, here are the tips to keep in mind:

• Develop a business plan first
• Research the agricultural market demand for specific crops
• Attend agricultural events and conferences to get involved in industry
• Plant drought-resistant varieties
• Consider sustainable farming practices such as using drip irrigation for watering needs, organic fertilization, and organic pest control.
• Check out the Georgia Department of Agriculture website for resources and support.

The Bottom Line

We now know that Georgia produces a variety of crops, contributing significantly to the state's economy. The state is a leading producer of peanuts, corn, cotton, pecans, peaches, blueberries, onions, tomatoes, and many other wonderful crops.

The warm and humid climate of Georgia is ideal for vegetable production, but it also brings diseases, pests, and weeds that should be managed organically for profitable production. Most importantly, crops require proper irrigation to thrive during dry, hot periods, which can be achieved through a drip irrigation system. Farmers who use the water-efficient drip irrigation system can achieve higher crop yields, conserve water, and reduce fertilizer use.

DripWorks offers a vast selection of high-quality drip irrigation kits and drip irrigation components to create your custom irrigation system. Our irrigation products are designed for farmers, landscapers, and home gardeners.