South Carolina Field Reports: Much Needed Rains but Some Areas Still Critically Dry

Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending July 10, 2016.

County Extension Comments

Morris Warner, Oconee County
Lack of rain is continuing with corn doing very poorly. Soybeans are mostly planted. If growers get a rain they may plant more acres, but it will have to occur this week. Soybeans that are up are losing leaves and beginning to die. Pastures are in poor condition with most growers feeding hay at this point. Apples need moisture to size.

Kyle Daniels, Georgetown County
Much needed rain fell over most of the county. The rain came in the form of severe thunderstorms that contained some high winds. Small areas of tobacco were blown over but producers were able to stand it back up with no damage. The overall crop is one of the finest we have had in years. Disease is prevalent in some of the crop but overall healthy with good body and weight. Corn is good and in some cases excellent.

Mark Nettles, Orangeburg County
Local rain events have provided some relief but hot days have stressed plants. Corn has been hurt but most of the corn has set ears and may not have caused too much harm.

Andrew Warner, Allendale County
Afternoon showers have really been helping crops in Allendale and Hampton counties. Corn overall is looking very good and cotton has really perked from the rain. Most cotton is past squaring and starting to bloom. Side dress application of fertilizer has been going out. Cotton aphid numbers are expected to drop and peanuts are looking good.

General

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in South Carolina, there were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, July 10, 2016. Precipitation estimates for the state ranged from 0.1 inches of rain up to 0.9 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the mid 90s to the low 100s. Average low temperatures ranged from the low 70s to the high 70s.