Dry Fields, Rising Risks: Understanding Georgia's Expanding Drought

Every county in Georgia is now experiencing some level of drought — and for farmers, the timing couldn't be more critical.

In this episode, recorded in Watkinsville, Georgia, agricultural climatologist Pam Knox with the University of Georgia breaks down what's driving the state's widespread dry conditions and what it could mean for the upcoming growing season.

From the role of La Niña in shaping Georgia's winter weather to the lack of tropical systems that typically supply 30–40% of the state's summer rainfall, Knox explains how months of below-average precipitation have left soil moisture reserves dangerously low. While recent cold snaps brought ice and snow, they delivered little meaningful moisture — and that has major implications for spring planting.

We discuss:

• Why winter is normally Georgia's "recharge season" for soil moisture — and why that hasn't happened this year

• The difference between surface dryness and deeper soil and reservoir impacts

• How drought affects forage, winter grains, vegetables, blueberries, and early corn planting

• The difficult irrigation decisions farmers face during water shortages

• Lessons from past droughts, including crop losses during pollination

• What growers should watch in the coming weeks as soil temperatures rise

Knox also shares trusted climate and drought monitoring resources for producers looking to stay informed as conditions evolve.

If you farm, work in agriculture, or simply want a clearer understanding of how large-scale climate patterns translate to real-world impacts on Georgia's fields and food supply, this conversation provides timely insight grounded in science and experience.

🎧 Tune in for a practical, straight-talk look at Georgia's drought outlook — and what may lie ahead.