Georgia Farmers Struggle with Drought and High Temperatures

State agriculture officials say the prolonged dry spell is putting serious pressure on crops and livestock

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of brown, yellow, and grey, depicting a vast, sun-baked field under a hazy, oppressive sky. A lone, small figure of a farmer stands in the foreground, surveying the withered crops, conveying a sense of melancholy and isolation in the face of the overwhelming natural forces.As Georgia's farmers struggle to keep their crops alive amid a punishing drought, the vast, unforgiving landscape serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in the face of extreme weather conditions.Atlanta Today

The record-breaking temperatures and weeks without rain in Georgia have gardeners and farmers worried about their plants and crops. The state's agriculture department says the drought is impacting hay production and adding stress to crops and livestock, forcing farmers to make tough decisions. Officials say the resilient farm families need rain, prayers, and relief soon to protect their future yields and long-term viability.

Why it matters

Georgia is a major agricultural state, with farming playing a crucial role in the state's economy. The ongoing drought and extreme heat are threatening the livelihoods of many farmers and the food supply for the region, highlighting the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change.

The details

Greenspace Director Alan Ashe from the Wyld Center recommends that gardeners plant more drought-tolerant species and water plants early in the morning and deeply and consistently. Landscaping with rain gardens can also help filter water. The Georgia Department of Agriculture says some spring crops are coming in nearly a month early due to the heat, and the prolonged drought is impacting hay production and adding stress to crops and livestock.

  • The record-breaking temperatures and weeks without rain have been ongoing in Georgia.
  • The next chance of rain for Georgia is early Sunday morning, but the amount won't be enough to make much of an impact on the already-high drought levels.

The players

Alan Ashe

Greenspace Director at the Wyld Center, who provided recommendations for gardeners and landscapers to cope with the drought.

Tyler J. Harper

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner, who said the drought is putting serious pressure on the state's farmers and their future yields.

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What they’re saying

“If you haven't put your plants in the ground yet, you're going to want to think about plants that are a little more drought-tolerant.”

— Alan Ashe, Greenspace Director, Wyld Center

“With nearly all of Georgia now in drought conditions, farmers are being forced to make tough decisions every day—from increasing irrigation and managing rising input costs to protecting livestock and preserving what little soil moisture remains as they begin to make planting decisions.”

— Tyler J. Harper, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner

“Our farmers are the most resilient people in the world—but they need rain, they need our prayers, and they need relief soon.”

— Tyler J. Harper, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner

What’s next

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the drought conditions and will be working with state and federal partners to support producers as they navigate the increasingly difficult situation.

The takeaway

The ongoing drought and extreme heat in Georgia are posing a serious threat to the state's agricultural sector, highlighting the need for more resilient farming practices and greater support for farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The situation underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of climate change to protect the long-term viability of the food system.