Declining cotton production; Dickens gives State of the City address; Teacher shortage

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting

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1. Declining Cotton Production in Georgia

Georgia's cotton industry is facing a significant downturn, with projections showing a 21% decline in cotton acreage for the upcoming planting season. The National Cotton Council’s annual preseason survey indicates that cotton growers will plant approximately 800,000 acres this spring, down from previous years.

Cotton Agronomist Camp Hand from the University of Georgia's Extension Office explained the factors behind this decline:

“We hadn't planted that few cotton acres since 1993. It is a big deal to see them throw numbers around that are below a million.” (01:40)

The primary driver of the reduced acreage is the low futures prices, making cotton farming less economically viable. Hand detailed the financial strain:

“Cotton right now is selling... it doesn't make sense to plant a crop knowing that it takes 85 to 90 cents a pound to make it and you're going to sell it for 70.” (02:44)

Global Overproduction: Excess supply from Brazil and China has flooded the market, leading to diminished demand domestically and internationally.

Impact on the Economy: The cotton industry contributes close to $1 billion in farm gate value to Georgia, with a two and a half times multiplier effect on jobs and related sectors. Hand emphasized the urgency of supporting the industry to prevent long-term economic repercussions.

“If we start seeing these trends permanently, we're losing a lot of revenue in our state.” (04:48)

2. Teacher Shortage in Georgia

Georgia Public Schools are currently grappling with a shortage of over 5,300 teachers. In response, lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 150, which aims to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom by reducing the waiting period from one year to 60 days post-retirement while allowing them to retain their pensions.

State Senator Billy Hickman, the bill’s sponsor, described it as a temporary solution to alleviate immediate staffing challenges.

Education Expert highlighted the gravity of the situation:

“We really gotta teach a cliff. We got more people getting out than we have coming in. And it's a real issue because if we don't have teachers, we don't have good teachers, we're not gonna have students that are learning.” (01:04, 06:12)

The bill has passed unanimously in a Senate committee for a cost analysis, though further actions are expected in the next legislative session.

3. Public Health Concerns: Vaccinations and Measles Outbreak

A recent survey by the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease revealed that nearly 70% of Georgians are concerned about declining vaccination rates among children. This concern is heightened by a measles outbreak in Texas, which tragically resulted in the death of an unvaccinated child.

Candace DeMattis, representing the Partnership, shared her personal experience:

“I literally was kicked out of class, had to go to the infirmary and get my vaccine... no ill effects whatsoever.” (07:12)

DeMattis urged residents to consult healthcare providers to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

4. Mayor Andre Dickens' State of the City Address

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his annual State of the City business address, focusing on revitalizing neighborhoods through affordable housing and public safety initiatives.

Key Highlights:

• Affordable Housing: Dickens committed to building or retaining 20,000 units of affordable housing, with over 11,000 units already completed or occupied.

“I promise to build or retain 20,000 units of affordable housing and we are well on track to exceed that goal.” (08:12)

• Public Safety: Homelessness and crime reduction are intertwined in Dickens' vision for a safer Atlanta. Since 2022, homicides have fallen by 26%.

• Upcoming Projects: The Waterworks, a 100-unit supportive housing development, is set to open later this year, furthering the administration’s commitment to housing and community support.

5. Respiratory Viruses and COVID-19 Update

Recent CDC data indicates a decline in respiratory viruses across Georgia following a second winter peak. Notable trends include:

• Flu Levels: A 40% reduction in flu virus levels detected in wastewater during the first two weeks of February.
• Hospitalizations: A decrease in flu-related hospitalizations after a recent spike.
• COVID-19: Slightly rising cases, though still monitored closely.
• Measles: Three confirmed cases currently reported.

Public Health Officials remain vigilant as flu season unpredictably continues, with at least 55 Georgians having succumbed to the flu this season.

6. Legal Battle Over Atlanta Public Safety Training Center

The construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center has been mired in legal disputes. Opponents argued that their First Amendment rights were violated when they were prevented from gathering signatures for a referendum to halt the project. With construction now complete, a federal appeals court has instructed both parties to consider whether the case should proceed or be dismissed.

7. Legislation on Georgia Power and Data Centers

Senate Bill 34 has successfully cleared a state Senate committee. The bill seeks to prevent Georgia Power from transferring the costs associated with supplying electricity to data centers onto residential and small business customers. This legislative move follows six rate hikes within two years, resulting in a 37% increase in electricity bills for homeowners and small enterprises. The bill now awaits scheduling for a floor vote in the Senate Rules Committee.

8. Biolab Facility in Conyers

Nearly five months after a chemical fire forced the evacuation of over 17,000 residents, the Biolab facility in Conyers remains partially shut down. While some operations have resumed, the company is now offering voluntary severance packages to employees as it deals with ongoing cleanup efforts. A federal investigation into the incident is still underway.

“We will continue to complete our cleanup efforts and advance our community support initiatives.” (10:46)

9. Additional News Highlights

• Freight Congestion in Atlanta: Nine metro Atlanta interchanges are among the nation’s worst bottlenecks for freight trucks, with Spaghetti Junction (I285 at 85) ranking fourth nationwide. This congestion leads to delays, fuel waste, and increased shipping costs.

• Joann Fabrics Closure: As part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Joann Fabrics is shutting down all 800+ stores nationwide, including a dozen locations in Georgia.

• Cartersville Recognized by HGTV: Cartersville, Georgia, was highlighted by HGTV for its charming small-town attractions, including the Telus Science Museum and the Booth Western Art Museum.

• Beer City Cup in Savannah: The Asheville-based Beer City Cup, the largest adult soccer tournament series in the country, is hosting its third annual event in Savannah, featuring 110 teams from 35 states and five countries.

• Georgia Bulldogs' Victory: Georgia’s basketball team secured a thrilling 88-83 victory over No. 3 Florida, sparking enthusiasm among fans. Notably, the public address announcer’s request for fans to wait 90 seconds after the final buzzer led to a respectful and orderly celebration on the court, highlighting fan maturity and adherence to event protocols.

Conclusion

The February 26th episode of Georgia Today provided a comprehensive overview of pressing issues and noteworthy events within the state. From the economic challenges facing Georgia's cotton industry and the critical teacher shortages to public health concerns and significant local governance initiatives, the podcast offered insightful analysis and updates. Listener engagement is encouraged through feedback and story tips via [e-mail]. Stay informed by subscribing to Georgia Today on your preferred podcast platform.

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Timestamp Reference:

• 01:40: Camp Hand discusses cotton acreage decline.
• 02:44: Camp Hand on economic viability of cotton.
• 04:48: Importance of supporting the cotton industry.
• 06:12: Education Expert on teacher shortage.
• 07:12: Candace DeMattis on measles vaccine experience.
• 08:12: Mayor Dickens on affordable housing commitment.
• 10:46: Biolab’s statement post-chemical fire.

Transcript

[DBHDD Representative]

DBHDD is warning all Georgians that half of all opioid deaths happen at home when people take an Oxy or a perc with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep. Learn more about protecting families from opioid [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Today is Wednesday, February 26th. I'm Orlando Montoya. This podcast features the latest reports from the GPB news team. You can send feedback or story tips to us@georgia todaypb.org Coming up on this episode, Georgia cotton growers are projected to grow 21% less cotton this year. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivers his annual State of the City business address. And Georgia lawmakers work to address a statewide teacher shortage.

[Education Expert]

And it's a real issue because if we don't have teachers, we don't have good teachers. We're not going to have students that are learning.

[Orlando Montoya]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. Georgia cotton growers are projected to plant about 800,000 acres of the crop this spring, what some are calling an alarming 21% decline from the previous year. The numbers come from the National Cotton Council's annual preseason survey. I asked cotton agronomist camp hand from the University of Georgia's extension office to explain the decline and how it might impact the state's fourth most valuable agricultural product.

[Camp Hand]

Yeah, so you might have seen the National Cotton Council number, which is probably, you know, pretty widely publicized now. But most things I'm hearing across the board are up to a 15 to 20% decrease in cotton acres in Georgia. And this the numbers that are being thrown around are like alarmingly low. We hadn't planted that few cotton acres since 1993. So it is a big deal to see them throw numbers around that are below a million. But, you know, the biggest thing is that cotton right now is selling. They look at future. So for a December 2025 contract on cotton, you're looking between 69 and 70 cents a pound. And really, just to be quite honest with you, it doesn't make sense to plant a crop knowing that it takes 85 to 90 cents a pound to make it and you're going to sell it for 70.

[Orlando Montoya]

And what's driving the low prices? Do you know?

[Camp Hand]

Yeah. So there's a few things, you know, Brazil had a really good crop last year. China had a record crop last year. And, you know, the supply is there and the demand is low.

[Orlando Montoya]

So if you're a cotton grower and you're looking at this negative number, the futures price. What are your options? Can you pull plant something else? Do you plant and suffer a loss? What are the options for people?

[Camp Hand]

Yeah, so that's the tough part in Georgia is that really on dry land, acres you don't have but two options if you plan on harvesting a crop, and that's cotton and peanuts. For the last couple years, people have maxed out their peanut rotations. And so, you know, it doesn't really make sense to go peanuts again. But people are going to do it or they're going to plant cotton and not put much into it and get what they can. But that's on dry land. On irrigated we have options like switching up to soybeans or corn. The problem is that soybeans don't rotate well with peanuts because they're in the same plant family. And with any grain, if you're not set up for it, whether it's soybeans or corn or small grains or anything like that, if you don't have the equipment to harvest it or ways to store it or move it, then you could get stuck with it. And so the hardest part of all this is that we have the infrastructure for peanuts and cotton. And right now it don't make much sense to plant cotton unless you've got interest in a gin. And so some folks are going to plant cotton knowing that it is likely they're going to lose money and hoping that they make a good peanut crop to cover the loss.

[Orlando Montoya]

And before we let you go, remind us again how big the cotton industry is in Georgia in terms of total production or in terms of number of people employed? Any number that you'd like to share.

[Camp Hand]

All right, so some of the more recent numbers are close to a billion dollars in farm gate value, but that only captures what the growers are getting. Right. So a billion dollars. But then you multiply that, it's got a two and a half times multiplier effect in the forms of jobs, in the forms of apparel and in all that kind of stuff. Okay? So I mean, if we start seeing these trends permanently, we're losing a lot of revenue in our state. Okay. And so that's the biggest concern for me is the future of the industry. And so I can't reiterate enough, we really need to be supporting the cotton industry right now.

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, I appreciate your insight and we'll certainly be thinking about our Georgia cotton growing farmers. I appreciate it. Camp Hand UGA EXTENSION AGENT thank you.

[Camp Hand]

Sure thing, man.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia Public Schools are short more than 5,300 teachers and lawmakers are considering a new fix bringing more retired teachers back to the classroom. Senate Bill 150 would let educators return just 60 days after retiring while keeping their pensions, expanding on an existing law that requires a year long wait. The bill's sponsor, Republican state Senator Billy Hickman, calls it a temporary solution while schools work to fill vacancies.

[Education Expert]

We really gotta teach a cliff. We got more people getting out than we have coming in. And it's a real issue because if we don't have teachers, we don't have good teachers, we're not gonna have students. That's learning.

[Orlando Montoya]

A Senate committee voted unanimously to pass the bill on for a cost analysis. However, it likely won't come up for further action until next year's learning legislative session. A recent survey from the Partnership to Fight Infectious disease shows almost 70% of people are concerned about declining vaccination rates among children. This comes amid a measles outbreak in Texas that resulted in the death of a school aged unvaccinated child. GEPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The survey showed about three quarters of American voters want FDA approved vaccines to remain widely available. Candace DeMattis is with the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease. She says she became aware of how serious measles can be after experiencing an outbreak in college.

[Candace DeMattis]

I literally was kicked out of class, had to go to the infirmary and get my vaccine, my MMR updated vaccine, or, you know, a booster if you will, even though I'd been vaccinated to prove that I was vaccinated to go back to class, no ill effects whatsoever.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Dematteis says people should check with their health care provider to see if they are in need of an updated measles vaccine. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his annual State of the City business address last night. This year, his remarks focused on the city's work to revitalize neighborhoods through affordable housing and public safety efforts. GEPB's Amanda Andrews has more.

[Amanda Andrews]

Mayor Dickens told those in attendance he plans to make Atlanta the best place to raise children by providing jobs to young people, increasing affordable housing and reducing crime. Since 2022, homicides have fallen by 26% in Atlanta. He says a safer city starts with housing and helping the homeless.

[Andre Dickens]

I promise to build or retain 20,000 units of affordable housing and we are well on track to exceed that goal. We are building or have families already moved into over 11,000 housing units.

[Amanda Andrews]

As part of those efforts, Dickens plans to open The Waterworks, a 100 unit supportive housing development, later this year. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

Respiratory viruses in Georgia are on decline after a second winter peak, according to CDC data. Flu levels in wastewater have dropped by 40% statewide in the first two weeks of February, and hospitalizations also are falling after spiking earlier this month. But experts warn the flu remains unpredictable. At least 55 Georgians have died this season. Meanwhile, COVID 19 levels have risen slightly and Georgia's measles outbreak remains at three confirmed cases. Public health officials continue to monitor trends across the state. A legal battle over the Atlanta Public Safety Training center may be coming to an end. A federal appeals court has ordered both sides to weigh in on whether the case is now moving boot since construction on the facility is now complete. Opponents had sued the city of Atlanta, arguing their First Amendment rights were violated when they were initially barred from gathering signatures for a referendum to stop the project. The city argues the lawsuit is now irrelevant because the center is built and already in use. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decision could determine whether the case moves forward or is dismissed. A bill prohibiting Georgia Power from passing on the costs of providing electricity to data centers to residential and small business customers has cleared a state Senate committee. Senate Bill 34 comes in the wake of six rate increases in less than two years that have driven up what homeowners and small businesses pay by 37%. The legislation now goes to the Senate Rules Committee to schedule a floor vote. The Biolab facility in Conyers remains partially closed nearly five months after a chemical fire forced thousands of residents to evacuate. While some operations have resumed, the company is now offering voluntary severance packages to employees. GPB's Pamela Kirkland has more.

[Pamela Kirkland]

Biolabs says it has continued to pay employees since the September 29th fire, but with manufacturing still shut down, the company is offering voluntary separation packages for those who want to leave while others are being reassigned to its distribution center or other locations. The September fire at Biolab forced more than 17,000 people to evacuate and led to widespread shelter in place orders. A federal investigation into the fire is ongoing. In a statement, Biolab says it will continue to, quote, complete our cleanup efforts and advance our community support initiatives. Local officials did not immediately respond to a request for for GPB News, I'm Pamela Kirkland.

[NPR Host]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. So start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

[Orlando Montoya]

Now. This is not going to come as any surprise to anyone who drives on Atlanta roadways, but nine metro Atlanta interchanges rank among the nation's worst bottlenecks for freight trucks. That's according to the American Transportation Research Institute, which found that Atlanta's Spaghetti Junction, that's I285 at 85 in the northeast quadrant, ranks the fourth worst in the entire country. The COB Cloverleaf, that's I75 at 285 in the northwest, comes in at number six, while I20 at I285 on the west side ranks number 10. The study highlights how congestion delays truckers, waste fuel and adds billions of dollars to shipping costs. Only Texas had more traffic bottlenecks than Georgia. Joann Fabrics has announced that it will close all its stores nationwide, including a dozen locations in Georgia. The decision comes as part of the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The closures affect more than 800 stores nationwide. Initially, the company planned to keep some locations open while restructuring its debt, but recent developments in bankruptcy court have led to a complete shutdown. Cartersville, Georgia, in the northwestern part of our state, is being recognized as one of the country's most charming small towns. HGTV highlighted the city in Bartow county for its Telus Science Museum, which features a life size T Rex and a massive Megalodon jaw, and the Booth Western Art Museum, home to the largest collection of Western art in the Southeast. Visitors also can see the first ever Coca Cola wall ad in its historic downtown and other attractions include Savoy Automobile Museum and the Red Top Mountain State Park. Cartersville joins Fairhope, Alabama and Newbury, S.C. on HGTV's list. Get ready for a whole lot of soccer in Savannah. The Beer City cup, the Asheville based adult soccer tournament series that's the largest of its kind in the country, is hosting its third annual event in Savannah next week. The sold out event at Jennifer Ross Soccer complex will involve 110 teams from 35 states and five countries. The players range from 18 to 70 years old in basketball. Georgia fans who attended last night's 8883 victory at home over no.3 Florida really wanted to storm the court after the final buzzer. It was, after all, an upset and a thriller of a game against a perennial rival. The Bulldogs trailed by two with about a minute to play, but then a three pointer put them ahead and the team sealed the win on the free throw line. Georgia coach Mike White called it a big win. But you know what else is big? The fine that the Southeastern Conference levies against teams whose fans rush the court after games. So as the excitement grew in the final minute, the public address announcer at Stegman Coliseum made repeated requests for fans to wait 90 seconds after the final buzzer to give the Gators and officials time to leave the court before they, the fans could, yes, storm the court. And even more surprising than the win itself, fans actually followed instructions waiting patiently 90 seconds before their on court celebration, proving that it is possible to storm the court politely. Many in the crowd of 10,000 remained on the court for several minutes. There was no immediate word if the unusual post game order would have any impact on the usual fine. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia. Today, it's you who keep us in operation and we enjoy your company, if virtually. If you'd like to learn more about what we do, visit gpb.orgnews you'll find many of the stories that we put on the podcast there. We'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast if you haven't done so already. It helps you and it helps us by keeping us current with you in your feed. And if you have feedback, send that to us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

[NPR Host]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.