MOULTRIE, GA (WALB) -
South Georgia farmers are harvesting what's expected to be a record peanut harvest.
The cotton harvest should be strong as well.
But what is the overall state of agriculture, Georgia's top industry?
Day two of the 35th Sunbelt Ag Expo shed some light on the subject.
Most of what we eat began on a farm. Agriculture is a vital and growing industry at a time when many industries are struggling.
"We see some other areas that are weak and agriculture is very strong. It really shines sometimes in a weakened economy. We have to have food. We have to have fiber. We have to have housing," said Georgia Farm Credit Loan Officer Rhonda Shannon.
Agriculture remains Georgia's top industry, resulting in more than $70 billion.
"Two-thirds of our counties in Georgia, agriculture is still by far the largest single component of the local economy. And so when farmers do well. Local businesses do well," said Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black.
But farmers are still facing challenges.
"One of the main issues out there right now is inheritance tax. Many families farms are being destroyed or have been destroyed over the years because of inheritance tax and families not being able to keep the land that their predecessors have worked so hard to keep," said Southeast Farmer of the Year Dale McClellan.
McClellan says the poor economy has become a wake up call for consumers. "It's making some people understand that you know what agriculture is not only important that we have to eat three times a day, but it's also important as an economic driver in many communities across the land."
But other farmers say they are optimistic for what the future may bring.
"I'd say the state of agriculture is bright. It is very bright. It's probably the bright spot of Georgia's economy. We're in a very good situation and I'd say the future is very bright," said Farmer Chris Hopkins.
"By 2050 we're going to need to feed 9 billion people and with the same amount of acreage. So with technology, whether it's seed variety fertilization, irrigation, bigger and larger equipment, we'll be able to meet that challenge," said Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock.
Farmers say it really depends on where you are to determine how well this year's crops are faring.
While southwest Georgia has seen a lot of rain this season, folks to our north and west are still experienced significant drought conditions.
One out of every seven Georgians works in agriculture or a related field.
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