Normally, from now through the middle of June is prime planting time for Georgia peanut farmers, but conditions are not normal. Almost the entire state is facing drought conditions, with 98% affected and 19% experiencing exceptional drought — the highest severity.
The lack of rain is making a bad problem even worse. It all started in mid-August 2025 when there was no rain for more than a month. That drought time frame coincided with peanut harvesting time. Dryland farmers contended with hard, dusty fields as they tried to save their crops. Those farms with irrigation systems fared a little better and were able to save about 55% of what they grew.
Now that planting time has arrived for 2026, peanut farmers are facing another drought gut punch. There is no rain in the extended forecast until April 29. The long-range prediction is even less promising for the month of May. Weather can change in Georgia at the drop of a hat and long-range forecasting is not an exact science, but praying for rain at this time might be more effective for actually receiving it.
Why wait?
“Georgia’s dryland peanut growers need to delay any plantings they might be planning, at least until much-needed rainfall is felt across the Southeast region.”
That’s the message from the Georgia Peanut Commission and Scott Monfort, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension peanut agronomist, stressing to growers amid the current drought, which shows no signs of easing up.
“Dryland is more of a potential problem right now than anything, everybody knows that. I probably would leave the seed in the bag. I probably would not plant right this minute on dryland. I would probably try to wait,” Monfort said. “In all reality, I don’t think it would put you that far behind. We’re still way early. I know it’s warm and everybody is ready to go, but if it’s questionable, why do we need to try to do that?”
Dryland peanuts comprise half of the industry’s acres in Georgia. That means half of Georgia’s acreage has zero access to irrigation and depends solely on rainfall.
Why it’s important
Georgia is the undisputed #1 producer of peanuts in the United States, cultivating nearly 50% of the nation’s total crop. Farmers in Georgia planted over 910,000 acres of peanuts in 2025 and generated more than $600 million to the state’s economy.
Georgia is also one of the highest producing states for cotton, watermelons, and pecans. Lest we forget, weather also did a number on the state’s pecan growers. In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene wiped out 79% of the pecan crop in 49 counties.
We love our peanuts in Georgia, whether roasted or boiled. We also love our pecans, whether for munching or baking. Hopefully, Mother Nature will grant a reprieve in the coming months.
