Discover Georgia’s Top 10 Most Valuable Crops

Georgia has productive agricultural land all over the state. With its mild climate and fertile soil, Georgia has more than 56 million acres of land dedicated to growing cotton, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. In fact, the agricultural industry is Georgia’s leading industry, featuring over $74 billion in annual economic impact. Check out Georgia’s top 10 most valuable crops and learn about their yields and value of production. 

1. Cotton

As the most widely grown row crop in Georgia, cotton is also the state’s most profitable crop. In 2022, Georgia farmers planted 1,290,000 acres of cotton, yielding more than 1,000 pounds per acre and featuring a total value of production of $1,248,000,000. Currently, this Southeast state ranks third nationally in acres planted and cotton produced.

2. Peanuts

Georgia accounts for more than half of all U.S. peanut production and produces the most peanuts of any state. Georgia farmers planted 685,000 acres and yielded 4,210 pounds per acre, resulting in a total value of production of $716,720,000. Peanut production in the state is concentrated in the coastal plain, which is south of the fall line.

3. Corn (Grain and Silage)

As the third largest row crop in Georgia, corn is a top revenue source for the agricultural industry in the state. Georgia corn is essential to the state’s ethanol industries and livestock. Corn is the main summer crop and is predominately grown in Southern Georgia. In 2022, Georgia farmers planted 425,000 acres of corn, yielding 175 bushels an acre and producing $464,888,000. 

4. Pecans

Georgia accounts for a third of America’s pecan production and is the nation’s largest pecan supplier. In fact, it’s been the top state for pecans for more than 17 years. There are many pecan orchards across the state, with most residing in the southwest region. Georgia farmers produced 132 million pounds of pecans in 2022, resulting in a value of production of $212,520,000. 

5. Hay

Alfalfa is the most common hay grown in Georgia due to its excellent quality and high protein content. It has high feed value and is used for many animals, like horses, cattle, and other farm animals. Georgia farmers harvested 550,000 acres of hay in 2022 and made a total value of production of $200,200,000.

6. Melons (Watermelon and Cantaloupe)

Southern Georgia produces a handful of melon varieties and harvests them from late May to mid-July. Watermelons and cantaloupes are the primary melons produced in the state. Farmers planted and harvested 20,000 acres of these two melons in 2022. The value of production for this Georgia crop is $119,519,000 annually.

7. Sweet Corn

While corn is Georgia’s seventh most profitable crop, the state is the third largest producer of fresh sweet corn in the country. Decatur and Mitchell counties account for 80% of Georgia’s sweet corn production. In 2022, the state’s agricultural industry pulled in $98,968,000 after planting 23,000 acres.

8. Soybeans

While soybean production has increased in the state over the decades, it is not one of the biggest crops in Georgia. However, farmers have grown soybeans in the region since the 18th century. Today, they are largely produced for cooking oil and animal fodder. Georgia farmers planted 165,000 acres in 2022 and yielded 41 bushels per acre. The total value of production for soybeans is $93,808,000.

9. Blueberries

Georgia ranks third in the nation for blueberry and peach production. However, blueberries outrank peaches in the state for overall production and value. While some blueberries grow in the northern mountains, most acreage resides in southern Georgia. In 2022, Georgia farmers produced more than 56 million pounds of blueberries for a total value of production of $91,414,000.

10. Bell Peppers

These sweet peppers primarily grow in the sandy loam soil in the coastal plain area. Bell peppers are Georgia’s tenth most valuable crop and farmers planted 3,400 acres in 2022. They yielded 330 CWT per acre and had a value of production of $62,726,000. Georgia is the third-largest bell pepper producing state in the country.

A Summary of Georgia’s Most Valuable Crops