Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending April 12, 2015.
General
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service’s South Carolina Field Office, there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 12, 2015. Precipitation estimates for the state ranged from no rain up to 0.13 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the low 70s to the high 70s. Average low temperatures ranged from the mid 40s to the high 50s.
County Extension Comments
William Hardee, Horry County, District 30: “Weather has been great for field work. Some Powdery mildew found on wheat. Wheat should be starting to head soon. Tobacco transplanting is in full swing. Corn planting is as well.”
Powell Smith, Lexington County, District 50: “Serious thunderstorms swept through the county on Tuesday bringing hard rains throughout. Amounts ranged from around 0.5 in. to over 3 in. coming down in less than one hour. Some local erosion occurred affecting planted crop emergence and subsequent field preparation.”
Mark Nettles, Orangeburg County, District 50: “Good weather conditions allowed farmers to work fields, and get some crops planted. Some corn is up, and doing well. Vegetables depending on drip system to supply fertilizer needs, but farmers may not be able to supply crops needs due to ample rain events. Overall, crops are progressing well, but it appears that some areas have excessive soil moisture for field operations, therefore shortening the planting windows for crops.”
Hugh Gray, Allendale County, District 80: “A week of unseasonably warm weather and lots of sunshine allowed growers to make good progress in land preparation and corn planting. Some small grain is beginning to head out. No disease or insect problems reported in small grain. Some areas are getting a little dry and rainfall would be welcomed. The peach crop is very promising at this point in time. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and tomato crops are looking good and progressing well.”
