As spring planting season gets underway, farmers across Georgia—including those in Northwest Georgia—are facing rising costs that are putting pressure on already tight budgets.
Drought conditions are continuing across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, but forecasters say some relief could be on the way as rain chances increase heading into the Easter weekend.
Members of the Chattooga County FFA program are being recognized for an impressive showing at the Georgia FFA Poultry Judging Competition, earning a 4th place finish in the state.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which honors farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more.
Georgia officials are continuing to warn residents about the growing threat posed by the invasive yellow-legged hornet, a species that can create serious problems for honeybees, agriculture, and the environment.
Rural King is expanding in northwest Georgia with the opening of its new store in Rome, giving customers across the region a new destination for farm, home and outdoor essentials.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers will host a special meeting on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Center, featuring guest speaker Jason Duggin of the University of Georgia Beef Team.
Cattle producers in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to have herd bulls evaluated during upcoming Bull Breeding Soundness Exams scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Rising diesel prices are creating new concerns for businesses and industry across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, especially for trucking, construction, farming, and manufacturing operations that depend on fuel to keep equipment moving and goods delivered. Higher fuel costs are making it more expensive for companies to transport materials, run heavy equipment, and manage day-to-day operations.
Several factors are helping drive diesel prices higher, including increases in crude oil prices, tighter global fuel supplies, refinery maintenance and outages, and growing seasonal demand tied to freight, agriculture, and construction activity. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can also add pressure to fuel markets, causing prices to rise even faster.
For local businesses, those higher diesel costs can quickly lead to more expensive deliveries, increased equipment expenses, and tighter budgets for companies already dealing with inflation and other rising costs. When diesel prices go up, the effects are often felt well beyond the fuel pump, eventually impacting shipping, construction, materials, food prices, and other goods across the region.
As of yesterday, diesel prices across Northwest Georgia were averaging between $4.68 – $4.92 per gallon.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Association has announced a full slate of events for March 2026, featuring educational programs, livestock services, and the annual Ag Day for local students.
















