Bleak Future for Poultry Farmers

Georgia poultry farmers are waiting to see whether they will have any chickens to raise at the end of the year. Chicken producers are reeling from last summer's spike in corn prices - up to $7.50 a bushel. The University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development says record prices for diesel fuel aren't helping and consumers aren't eating out as much. As a result, many producers are cutting back.

(Associated Press)

Georgia corn farmers watching Tropical storm Fay

As a result of Tropical Storm fay, Moultrie in the Southeastern part of the state could get 8 inches of rain. The storm has been unpredictable so far, and for farmers it could prove to be a good thing or a bad thing.
Over the last several months farmers in South Georgia have struggled with a lack of rain. Now they could get too much. Wind could also be a problem. Corn farmers are particularly concerned because it's time to harvest their crops. Glenn Beard is the Colquitt County Extension Agent in Moultrie.

"You have corn that's completely dried down now, and when it dries down it loses all it's structural integrity of the stalk that will hold it up. It doesn't really take that much wind to knock it over. And when it knocks it over it is either going to be very difficult to pick it up with a combine, or maybe not even be able to harvest it at all."

Georgia farmers increased corn production this year due to higher demand and rising prices spurred on by ethanol production.
The storm could turn out to be a blessing if they get just the right amount to fill ponds and replenish groundwater.