ATHENS, Ga. — March temperatures ranged from 0.5 to 5.7 degrees warmer than historical averages depending on location. Total rainfall for theĀ month ranged from 1.7 inches in Worth County to 7.0 inches in Carroll County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 17 percent of the stateĀ had abnormally dry conditions and 5 percent had moderate drought conditions by monthās end, compared to 13 percent abnormally dry and 3 percent moderate drought at the beginning of the month.
Georgia temperatures fluctuated greatly from several days of freezingĀ temperatures to warmer days above 80 degrees. The late freeze damagedĀ many fruit trees across the state. Peaches were noted to haveĀ sustained significant damage in northern Georgia since most varietiesĀ were in full bloom during the freeze events. Abundant rainfall in someĀ areas delayed farmers from prepping fields for spring planting. WinterĀ grazing and cool season pastures were set back due to the freezingĀ temperatures; however, they are now bouncing back with milderĀ temperatures and adequate rainfall. Livestock conditions were mostlyĀ good; however, hay supplies ran low in some areas. Muddy ground causedĀ by heavy rainfall was causing concern for foot conditions forĀ livestock. Spring calving was also noted to be going well for cattleĀ producers. The growth of wheat, rye and oats were reported to be relatively good, although some wheat fields were burned due to theĀ freezing temperatures. Wheat and oats were reaching peak pollinationĀ with many fields receiving a final fungicide application. Wet soilĀ conditions were an issue in harvesting of early Vidalia onions.Ā Growers were making preventative sprays for downy mildew in theĀ Vidalia onion crop. Corn planting began across the state during theĀ month with emerged corn damaged from the freezing temperatures. TheĀ damage is not expected to be severe since the growing point was stillĀ underground and protected. Fields were being burned down in preperation for spring planting if peanuts, cotton, and soybeans.
–USDA, NASS