Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 11, 2014.
GENERAL
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service’s South Carolina Field Office, there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, May 11th, 2014. The State average rainfall for the seven-day period was 0.2 inches. The State average temperature for the week was eight degrees above the long-term average. Soil moisture ratings for topsoil were reported at 1% very short, 25% short, 71% adequate, and 3% surplus. Soil moisture ratings for subsoil were reported at 19% short, 78% adequate, and 3% surplus.
COUNTY AGENTS COMMENTS
“Lack of rain and high temperature has resulted in some dry soil conditions.”
–Jeffrey Fellers, Union County, District 10
“The week was very dry with much warmer temperatures. Rain is needed. Most of the corn needs a good rain to get up out of the ground. Wheat is looking really good. The first cutting of hay should start in the next few days.”
–Brandon Lambert, Chester County, District 20
“A dry period and warm conditions last week allowed for significant crop growth especially in tobacco and corn. Tobacco began to flatten out in almost every field making it suitable for cultivation. Corn is growing off very well. Peanuts, cotton and early soybeans were planted pretty much all week given the drier field conditions. Wheat yields are looking pretty good at this point.”
–Kyle Daniel, Georgetown County, District 30
“Soil conditions were dry, and some corn showing indications of drought stress. A few light rain events occurred on Saturday and Sunday. Non-irrigated summer greens were reported to also show indications of drought stress. With the higher temperatures, cotton is progressing well, with some having first true leaves coming out.”
–Mark Nettles, Orangeburg County, District 50
“Most areas of this county are getting very dry. A good rain is needed soon so small grain heads can fill properly. Leaves on older corn are beginning to roll in mid-afternoon due to lack of soil moisture. A week of high temperatures and lots of sunshine has stimulated good growth on corn and small grain. No pest problems reported. Routine pest control treatments are being applied to peaches. Dry soils are limiting planting of cotton, soybeans and peanuts in some areas. A good rain is needed soon to prevent losses on crop condition. ”
–Hugh Gray, Allendale County, District 80
