Georgia experiences variable weather during late winter and early spring, impacting agricultural practices, especially for peach growers. The state's peach industry, crucial for its economy, faces challenges due to unpredictable late freezes that can harm new blossoms and potentially devastate the season. In 2023, a late freeze in mid-March resulted in a significant crop loss, exceeding 90%, and financial losses estimated at $60 million for Georgia's peach growers, according to Jeff Cook from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
Peach trees require a specific number of chill hours, between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, to break dormancy and set fruit. The chill hour requirement varies by peach variety, with most growers aiming for around 1,000 cumulative hours. By mid-February 2023, chill hours ranged from approximately 600 in the southeast to over 1,200 in the northeast of Georgia, with the central peach-growing region receiving about 800 hours. This variance sets the stage for the season's potential success or failure.
As of early April, forecasts do not predict freezing temperatures, providing hope for a rebound in the peach market. However, the unpredictability of weather poses continuous risks. Pam Knox, a climatologist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, highlights the necessity for adaptation in agricultural practices due to warming winter temperatures. This includes diversifying orchard varieties to include those requiring fewer chill hours and those more resistant to freeze damage, although it's uncertain if these new varieties will match the performance of traditional Georgia cultivars.
Source: augustaceo.com