Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending October 5, 2014.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Arkansas, there were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 5, 2014. Topsoil moisture supplies were 2 percent very short, 28 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 3 percent very short, 35 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.
Low temperatures ranged from 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Gilbert to 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit at Stuttgart. Highs ranged from 74.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Kingston and Winslow to 87.5 degrees Fahrenheit at Searcy. The precipitation for this week was spread throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the north central region of the state with an average of 1.08 inches.
Comments from Extension Agents
“Winding down rice harvest. Starting to apply boll openers and defoliating cotton. Corn harvest wrapping up. Beginning soybean harvest. Rain has brought harvest to a standstill.”
–Andy Vangilder, Clay County
“Peanut harvest progressed during the week with above average yields being reported. Rain shut down harvest late in the week, but should resume within a day or so. Rice harvest continues with good yields being reported. Several 200 plus bushel per acre yields have been reported. Corn harvest is winding down with just a few fields remaining to harvest. Rain late in week will boost growth of cool season forages. A few producers continue to plant annual cool season forages. Armyworms have been spotty this week, with one find of 15 plus army worms per square foot in areas of a Bermuda grass field.”
–Mike Andrews, Randolph County
“Late week rainfall slowed harvest. Rainfall totals of .25″ to 1″ were common. Corn harvest is all but complete. Recent storms lodged some rice acres still to be harvested. Soybean harvest picked up steam. Cotton is stringy from rainfall, picking will begin when dry. Fall seeded pasture benefitted from the rain.”
–Brent Griffin, Prairie County
“Producers continue to sell spring calves. Some are planting winter annuals, but not as many as normal due to the large hay stocks.”
–Mike McCarter, Pike County
“Rain and cooler weather finally arrived. Winter forages may now begin to germinate and grow. Gardeners are transitioning to cool season vegetables.”
–Robin Bridges, Union County
