Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 11, 2014.
Field Crops
Cotton planting is 80 percent complete, 9 and 2 percentage points behind last year, and the 5-year average with conditions at fair to excellent. Arizona’s alfalfa condition was rated in very poor to excellent condition, depending on location. Harvesting occurred on over three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage across the State. Barley conditions are mostly good to fair, with 97 percent emerged, 12 and 4 percentage points ahead of last year and the 5-year average.
Durum Wheat conditions are mostly good to excellent, with 85 percent headed, same as last year at 85 percent, but behind the 5-year average at 95 percent. Winter Wheat conditions are very poor to excellent, depending on location, and 80 percent of the crop is headed, 3 percentage points behind last year at 83 percent, but 9 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average at 71 percent. This week there were 7 days suitable for field work.
Range and Pasture
Precipitation was received in limited locations throughout the State, not enough to overcome dry conditions. Range and Pastures were rated in very poor to good condition, depending on location.
Vegetables, Fruit & Specialty Crops
Central Arizona growers shipped celery, onions, and potatoes last week.
Western Arizona growers shipped green cabbage, cantaloupes, and seedless watermelons last week.
