Climate challenges rock Georgia's farms

Local agriculture faces frost, floods, and drought

The resilience of Georgia's agriculture is being tested by a series of climate extremes that challenge the traditional farming calendar and crop viability. At Diamond Hill Farm, both the staff and crops are enduring the brunt of these changes.

Carolyn Shew, the farm's communications manager, discusses the recent losses due to unexpected frost events that have wiped out a significant portion of their peach and blueberry yields.

The farm practices Certified Naturally Grown farming but faces growing challenges from climate change, as described by Pam Knox, a local agricultural climatologist. Knox explains that both frost and temperature fluctuations are increasingly difficult to predict, complicating farmers' efforts to protect their livelihoods.

Expensive frost protection techniques, such as overhead sprinklers and heaters, are employed by some, but are often out of reach for smaller farms. This is compounded by issues of drought and flooding, which have altered the landscape of agricultural water management in Georgia.

Even with irrigation systems like those at Diamond Hill, intense periods of drought have led to crop failures, while unexpected heavy rains have flooded fields, ruining crops.

The hurricane season adds to the unpredictability, with potential storms threatening rapid and severe damage. These challenges stress the importance of local support for farmers, who are often financially strained by the need to adapt to these rapid climate changes.

Support mechanisms like CSA programs and local farmers markets are vital, providing consistent support and helping to stabilize farm operations. Knox advocates for these community efforts as essential to sustaining local agriculture and reducing the broader environmental impact.

Farmers in Georgia continue to adapt and innovate in response to these climate challenges, striving to maintain their farms and support their communities despite the increasing unpredictability of their environment.