The July 1 crop report shows Georgia’s wheat yield was up from the June 1 forecast, according to the USDA, NASS, Georgia Field Office.

Based on a sample of Georgia growers contacted on or about July 1, wheat averaged 58 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from the June 1 forecast.

Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 400,000 acres, 170,000 acres more than last year.

Georgia’s wheat production now is expected to total 23.2 million bushels, 2.5 times more than last year’s crop of 9.20 million bushels. Favorable growing conditions and price combined to produce the largest crop since 1985. Harvest was nearing completion by the end of June.

The July 1 survey indicated Georgia’s 2008 tobacco yield will be above last year’s yield. This initial forecast puts Georgia’s average yield at 2,350 pounds per acre, 200 pounds more than in 2007. Tomato spotted wilt virus has been reported only as a minor problem. At the end of June the crop was considered in good condition.

Acres are down this year, with harvested acreage expected to total 16,000 acres, down 14 percent or 2,500 acres from 2007. If these estimates are realized, production will amount to 37.6 million pounds, 5 percent less than in 2007.

The second forecast for Georgia’s 2007 peach production is 35,000 tons, the same as last month’s forecast. This estimate is almost 3 times larger than last year’s freeze damaged crop of 13,000 tons.

Several nights of freezing temperatures in late March and April reduced potential production. Most losses were to early season varieties, while mid- and late-season varieties expect normal production.

Harvesting progress is near normal. By the end of June, 56 percent of the crop had been harvested. The crop was considered to be in mostly fair condition.