On the Farm: Georgia farmers battle astronomical input costs planting 2022 corn crop

MACON COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA)- Farmers continue to feel the stab of unrelenting rising costs of items such as fuel and fertilizer. Those skyrocketing prices certainly impacted Georgia's corn growers.

When it comes to the state's 2022 corn crop, early estimates predict at least a slight reduction in Georgia's total corn acreage.

"Our corn acres may be down a little bit, maybe 15 percent from last year because of those input costs," said Andy Harrison, Commodities Commissions Manager with Georgia's Department of Agriculture. “Fertilizer costs have gone up 40, 50 to sometimes 70 percent."

For an extended interview with Harrison on Georgia's corn crop, please see our "On the Farm" Web Extra.

Bucky Green, co-owner of Green and Jaros Farm, can relate to paying the price of rising costs.

“Last year we put down anhydrous ammonia under our corn for our source of nitrogen. Last year, January, we applied it before planting. We were $410 a ton for anhydrous ammonia. This year we were $1230 or $1280 a ton, so it was three times as much," Green said.

In this week's "On the Farm," we examine how those costs are impacting the bottom line for Georgia farmers. Please see our complete story below.