According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, August 2, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 20 percent very short, 44 percent short, 32 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 16 percent very short, 43 percent short, 36 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.
Low temperatures ranged from 68.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Hickory Flat to 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Collins. Highs ranged from 91.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Ashland to 102.3 degrees Fahrenheit at Monticello. Most of the state received little to no rain with the coastal part of the state receiving the most at an average of 1.11 inches.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents
Don Respess, Coahoma & Quitman Counties: “We need rain. We are irrigating and spraying insects. Corn and grain sorghum harvest will start soon.”
Reid Nevins, Lowndes County: “Hot and dry conditions have been the norm with a few passing showers every few days. Corn is drying down very fast due to the heat and dry weather, but all other crops and pastures could use a good rain.”
Jon Carson, Issaquena & Sharkey Counties: “Weather conditions this week have been very hot and humid with consecutive heat indexes in the triple digits and no rain in the forecast. The corn and soybean harvest is underway with producers reporting average to above average yields.”
Anna McCain, Warren County: “There has been approximately, a 50% crop loss in soybeans due to flood waters. Some corn crops were also lost.”
Charles Bush, Simpson County: “The first of the corn crop will soon be harvested. Lack of rain has slowed down hay production and quantity of harvest.”
