Heat and a lack of rain are causing problems for Georgia peanut farmers. Scott Monfort, peanut agronomist for UGA Extension in Tifton, says most farmers were getting along okay until last week...when temperatures soared into the upper 90s in much of South Georgia.

“For the most part, the guys that can water, the crop is probably going to be as good as it has been in the last couple of years. But this other issue, this non-irrigated acres and the drought has caused this crop to really go another way in a hurry," Monfort says. He estimates about half of peanut farmers can irrigate their crops. Much of South Georgia is classified as “abnormally dry” or in “moderate drought.” In addition to a lack of water, Monfort says some growers are also dealing with insect infestations.

“We’re just hoping for the best, praying for some rain and hoping for the best. We’re trying to manage what crop we have and trying to recommend and work with the growers as much as we can to segregate out these good peanuts versus some peanuts that might have quality issues," Monfort says.

Georgia farmers grow about half of the nation’s peanuts. Monfort estimates farmers will harvest about 590,000 acres of nuts this year.

Tags: peanuts, Bradley George, UGA extension, scott monfort, georgia peanuts