Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 3, 2015.
General
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service’s South Carolina Field Office, there were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, May 03, 2015. Precipitation estimates for the state ranged from 0.04 inches of rain up to 1.47 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the mid-70s to the high 70s. Average low temperatures ranged from the mid-40s to the mid-50s.
County Extension Comments
Charles Davis, Calhoun County, District #50: “Mostly fair weather progressed peanut planting. Cotton planting delayed further by cool temperatures. Cotton planting will hit full swing this week with warmer weather and fair skies.”
Powell Smith, Lexington County, District #50: “Unusually low temperatures (43 – 45 °F) two days last week slowed the growth of many crops including early squash, cucumber, tomato, pepper, and field and sweet corn.”
Mark Nettles, Orangeburg County, District #50: “Good weather conditions allowed farmers to work in fields and conduct burn down operations. Planting of crops is progressing at a steady pace. Some tomatoes have been staked and are in need of a second tie. Other vegetables are progressing at a slow pace, as the cool nights are holding up crop progress.”
Hugh Gray, Allendale County, District #80: “Rainfall from last week and another 1 to 2 inches on Wednesday has provided adequate moisture in all areas of Allendale and Hampton Counties. Peaches in Allendale are in excellent condition and pest control sprays are being applied on a routine schedule. Watermelon and cantaloupe are progressing well in both counties. No disease or insect problems reported in small grain or any other crops. Cool nights and wet soils haves stalled most planting of cotton and peanuts for a couple of days. Tomatoes in Hampton County are progressing well with no insect or disease problem reported.”
