Total seasonal rainfall amounts were below normal for the third consecutive year. For the year 2000, the irrigated crops were generally good, but more than normal irrigation was needed. Most areas experienced water shortages and long periods of very high temperatures at critical crop development stages. Georgia farmers continue to reduce planted acres of some row crops. Cotton acreage remained steady for the year at 1.3 million.
Farmers continue to search for drought tolerant crops.
Overall, the 2000 growing season was extremely difficult for farmers. For example, even with irrigation on cotton, the extremely high temperatures reduced state irrigated average of cotton lint yield to under 1,000 pounds per acre for the first time on record. Tobacco Mosaic Virus was a serious problem in some tobacco fields. Peanut farmers continue to experience damage from Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in their peanut fields. The harvest season began earlier than normal due to early frost and a very dry October and November.