Agricultural and Applied Economics Resources
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AP 130-4-12
2026 Green Industry Outlook
The key points for 2026 are: 2025 was a good year for many green industry firms as there was strong demand in many parts of the state; there are many unknowns going into 2026 that will impact green industry sales: mixed signals within the economy, increased input costs, and in particular the varying strength of the housing market in Georgia will play a major role; green industry demand is expected to slow, with prices expected to decrease to offset the decreased demand, which will result in decreased sales in 2026 compared to 2025.
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AP 130-4-13
Timber Situation and 2026 Outlook
The 2025 market situation: in South Georgia, recent pine sawtimber and pine chip-n-saw prices increased compared to a year ago, while pulpwood prices declined for both pine and hardwood. In North Georgia, stumpage prices for timber products declined compared to a year earlier. The 2026 outlook will be affected by: Demand-side factors expected to shape Georgia’s timber markets in 2026 include a weakened housing market, reduced lumber mill utilization rates, mill closures and conversions, tariffs on import, labor shortages, and overall economic growth; on the supply side, factors include tighter sawtimber inventory in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, increased timber availability and greater supplies from mill closures in adjacent areas, and ongoing logging capacity constraints. Overall, sawtimber prices in 2026 are expected to remain stable across most of the Georgia, although some areas of South Georgia may experience modest sawtimber price increases.
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Looking forward to 2026, agritourism continues to grow across Georgia, providing economic and cultural benefits to rural communities. In 2024, visitor spending reached $36.8 billion, a 3.8% increase that signals a steady recovery. Rural lodging grew by 1.1% in 2024, while urban demand softened by 0.7%, reflecting shifting traveler preferences. Coastal Georgia led the state with occupancy above 63% and ADR exceeding $155, while South Georgia lagged. Modest growth is expected in 2026— the FIFA World Cup will boost travel and rural tourism is expected to remain strong.
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AP 130-4-15
2026 Georgia Agritourism Outlook
In 2026 and beyond, agritourism represents a growing opportunity for Georgia’s agricultural sector, combining farm operations with tourism experiences to diversify income streams and strengthen rural economies. Operators are optimistic about the future, with 75% expecting increased visitation and profitability over the next 5 years. Visitors prioritize facility cleanliness, safety, restrooms, and knowledgeable and friendly staff when deciding to participate in agritourism activities.
For agritourism operators, the primary barriers limiting growth are access to financial capital, regulatory uncertainty, and inadequate infrastructure. UGA Extension can enhance Georgia’s agritourism sector by supporting operators in financial planning, marketing, technical training, liability protection, and navigating relevant policies. The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta presents a strategic opportunity to showcase Georgia’s agricultural heritage to national and global audiences by collaborating with destination marketing organizations, universities, UGA Extension, and local communities to create memorable visitor experiences that will provide significant growth opportunities for the Georgia agritourism sector.
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The main takeaways for direct-to-consumer sales in Georgia include: Freshness, safety, and sustainability are the most powerful perceived advantages of locally grown products; younger buyers respond strongly to environmental and ethical messaging, while older buyers remain focused on more functional attributes, such as freshness and reliability; marketing messages should emphasize freshness, sustainability, local economic impact, and community connection to leverage positive perceptions of farmers markets; demographics such as age and income influence the frequency of purchase and willingness to pay for local food products at farmers markets; and the major trends influencing buyers in 2026 are expected to be hyperlocal and regenerative sourcing, smart labeling or multi-labeling, highlighting the functional benefits of fresh produce, digital engagement using personalized marketing and artificial intelligence, engaging younger generations, and waste-reduction education.
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B 1331
Canola Production in Georgia
This publication covers best management practices for canola production in Georgia. Growing canola profitably takes planning and good management, from seed selection to harvest to marketing.
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AP 130-3-07
2025 Cotton Outlook and Market Situation
1. Cotton prices are anticipated to stay low in 2025, driven by sluggish global economic growth, declining consumer demand, and rising trade uncertainty.
2. U.S. cotton acreage and production are likely to remain at current low levels in 2025 because of relatively weaker price expectations compared to competing crops.
3. Cotton production in 2025 is expected to face limited opportunities for profitability recovery, constrained by high input costs and low prices.|
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AP 130-3-08
Peanut Situation and 2025 Outlook
1. Peanut-planted acres in the United States and Georgia are expected to remain steady at current levels in 2025.
2. Forward contract prices in Georgia are projected to decline, with an estimated seasonal price range of $475–$525 per ton.
3. Peanut profitability is anticipated to remain a significant challenge for producers in 2025.|
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AP 130-3-09
2025 Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Outlook
1. Tight margins are expected to continue in 2025 for corn, soybeans, and wheat with commodity prices likely near or below the breakeven cost of production.
2. Bountiful grain and oilseed production, combined with a strong U.S. dollar and uncertain trade policy, leads to expectations for lower prices in 2025.
3. Expect more acres planted to corn, fewer acres planted to soybeans, and wheat plantings comparable to last year.|