August 14, 2009

The first forecast of Georgia's row crops for 2009 indicate that yields will be up for corn and soy.

Temperatures during the growing season have averaged above normal. Rainfall was below normal during the mid-summer months, although showers were on the increase during July. This trend continued into early August.

Irrigation has been active this year. This early forecast is based on a survey of growers and field measurements around Aug 1. Forecasted yields could change based on precipitation, disease, insect pressures and harvest weather in the coming weeks.

Corn yield in Georgia is expected to average 148 bushels per harvested acre, 8 bushels more than last year's yield of 140 bushels per acre. The state's total corn production is expected to total 56.2 million bushels from 380,000 acres harvested for grain. Production of this size would be 30-percent more than last year.

Soy yields in Georgia are forecast at 32 bushels per harvested acre. Recent July showers in some areas have aided the crop. Production is forecast at 15.4 million bushels, up from the 12.5 million bushels last year.

Harvested acres are estimated to be 480,000 acres, compared with 415,000 acres harvested in 2008. Final soy yield and production will depend heavily on August and September weather conditions.