Frequently Asked Questions
What crops are grown on Georgia farmland and what is most valuable?
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Georgia is the number one producer of peanuts, broilers and pecans in the entire country. The state is also famous for the Vidalia sweet onion, which federal law says can only be grown in a specific 20-county area centered around Toombs County. Farmers grow massive amounts of cotton across the southern half of the state. Blueberries have become a huge cash crop in the sandy land down south. Farmers also grow plenty of soybeans and corn in the rich river land. However, raising chickens for meat and eggs brings in more money than any other farming activity in the state.
What does farmland cost per acre in Georgia compared to regional markets?
According to the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the best farming land in southwest Georgia usually sells for 2500 to 5000 dollars per acre. This is a massive discount compared to the same quality of land in the Midwest. Standard crop fields in the middle of the state run 2000 to 4000 dollars per acre. Open grass fields for cattle in the northern half of the state go for 2000 to 3500 dollars per acre. Pecan orchards are priced completely differently based on the age of the trees and how many nuts they produce each year. Buying a farm in Georgia gives you incredible weather and a very long growing season for a fraction of the cost of northern farmland.
What should I know about buying farmland with an active poultry contract in Georgia?
According to the University of Georgia Agricultural Extension most chicken farms in the state operate on strict contracts with massive companies like Tyson Koch Foods or Wayne Farms. As the landowner you have to build the expensive chicken houses pay the light bill and do all the daily work. The big company owns the actual chickens and delivers the feed. They pay you based on how fat the chickens get compared to other local farmers. Buying a farm that already has chicken houses and an active contract is a great way to guarantee cash flow to pay your mortgage. Just make sure to read the contract closely and check if the big company is going to force you to buy expensive equipment upgrades anytime soon.
