Researchers are planting about a hundred sensors on 10 farms in southwest Georgia this month to measure soil moisture. The idea is to better track how much water crops really need and help farmers irrigate more efficiently, and help the farms reduce their impact on the strained Flint River.
By selling milk directly to consumers Johnston says he’s able to set his own price, increasing profit margins. Johnston also partners with regional artisan product companies seeking business relationships with local farmers.
While agriculture profits are up 28 percent nationally this year to just over 100 billion dollars, Georgia farmers are experiencing more mixed results. Georgia’s extended drought has challenged key crops this year. In 2010 Georgia led the nation with 44% of peanut crop yields. But according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Georgia peanut production slid by 18% this year
The state's first commercial olive crop has been harvested and pressed into oil. Georgia growers are now planting thousands of new olive trees. Olive oil was shipped off the coast of Georgia in the 1800's.
The federal government is awarding $18 million in nationwide grants to get more young people into farming. In Georgia, two organizations will spend that money to boost—and create—new programs. The USDA says the average age of a farmer is 57 years old. And to keep the food pipeline sustainable, the nation needs more young people to get into the business.