Farmers hope newly announced federal aid will ease pressure on Georgia crops and livestock

SCREVEN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Farming in rural Georgia has always carried risk. But recent trade disputes, higher input costs and unstable markets are making each season even harder for many farm families.

Tyler Thompson, a farmer in Screven County, raises row crops and beef. He also works a second job to help keep the farm running.

“You’re fighting input prices and trying to keep it profitable… fertilizer has been extremely high. Fuel prices, labor cost, all these things play into your bottom line… the margins, they’re getting thinner and thinner,” Thompson said.

The rising cost of running a farm is cutting deeper into already thin margins. Keeping row crops thriving is becoming more difficult for each generation of farm families, and the pressure is taking a personal toll on some producers.

“It’s just taking a toll on my personal life. I sleep worried all the time. You don’t get a paycheck from this. If I can not pay myself, I can put that towards a debt,” Thompson said.

Georgia is the nation’s top producer of peanuts and ranks second in cotton. State agriculture leaders say federal assistance could provide relief as farmers plan for the winter and next planting season.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers.

“This is a tremendous help for our producers It’s an opportunity for them to plan for their next crop season and to help them get across the finish line here at the end of the year, because we’re in a really tough ag economy right now,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said.

The $12 billion federal aid package is expected to roll out in the coming months.

Farmers in southeast Georgia are watching closely, hoping the payments and programs will be enough to stabilize operations and protect the region’s peanut, cotton and livestock producers through a difficult season.

If you are a farmer in the region and have questions about planning for the season ahead or resources that may be available, contact your county extension office or the Georgia Department of Agriculture.