ATHENS, Ga. — March temperatures were on average 3 to 9 degrees warmer than historical values. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 2.3 inches in Glynn County to 10.5 inches in Cherokee County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, less than 1 percent of the state had moderate drought conditions throughout the month. Although total rainfall for the state was less than February, it was still wetter than normal.
Many low lying pastures, small grains, ponds, and fields throughout the state remained flood through much of the month. Warmer conditions did allow for good hay and small grains growth throughout much of the state; however, the warm days combined with the wet
conditions prevented many producers from being able to apply herbicides and nutrients. Producers in the southern part of the state were able to enter fields between rain events to continue planting preparations.
Several growers were able to begin corn planting throughout the month. Cattle remained in good condition throughout the month. While pastures were greening up with the warmer weather, many producers were exhausting their hay supplies. Peaches and blueberries were in full bloom. Vegetable growers continued to battle disease problems brought on by the wet conditions. Onion harvesting is expected to begin soon. Pecan trees began budding out in multiple counties. Some vegetable producers expressed concern over labor shortages due to COVID-19.
–USDA, NASS