Weather is not the only ever-changing issue impacting crop production, pests are top of mind as well.
A recent study in the state of Georgia found that deer cost cotton farmers as much as $152 million dollars in 2023 alone, making the likes of Bambi Georgia cotton’s #1 economic pest.
Lee Cromley, who farms in Bulloch Country outside of Savannah shared with Southeast Farm Press estimated that 15-20% of his cotton fields showed severe damage, that is on top of 20% of his acres with moderate damage.
While deer have always been a problem in the cotton-producing state, the apparent recent flair has left UGA Extension Professionals puzzled.