Weekly Crop Progress & Weather Summary for the Commonwealth of Virginia
For the week ending May 16, 2010
General
Scattered amounts of rain across the Commonwealth offered some relief from last week dry conditions. Days suitable for fieldwork were 5.5. Corn planted progress slowed due to the rainfall. In some areas of the state drought like conditions prevailed. Wheat and barley stands remained strong in spite of the dry weather conditions. There were no major signs of diseases but minor signs of drought stress on the crops. Hay cutting was in full progress with average to good yields.
Soil Conditions
Five percent of the state was reporting very short topsoil moisture, 41% reported soil moisture as short, 50% reported adequate and 4% of Virginia reported a surplus of soil moisture for the week.
Crop Progress & Conditions
Corn-86% of the corn crop has been planted compared to 82% last week, compared to 78% last year and an 82% five-year average. 70% of the crop has emerged, compared to 65% last week, 60% a year ago, and a61% five-year average.
Soybeans-26% of the crop had been planted compared to 18% last week, and 16% a year ago, with a 17% five-year average. 13% of the crop has emerged with no comparison for last week and 16% a year ago with a 4% five-year average.
Tobacco-flue cured – 74% of the crop has been transplanted compared to 57% last week and 57% a year ago.
Tobacco-burley- 21% of the crop has been transplanted compared to 13% last week and 9% a year ago.
Tobacco-dark fire cured- 35% of the crop has been transplanted compared to 17% last week and 26% a year ago.
Peanuts-40% of the crop has been planted compared to 15% last week and 49% last year.
Cotton-70 % of the crop is in the ground compared to 45% last week and 59% a year ago, with a five-year average of 69%.
Potatoes-summer- 0% of the crop was rated in very poor condition as well as poor condition. 25% of the crop is rated in fair condition 75% of the crop is in good condition and none of the summer potato crop is rated in excellent.
Drought Monitor
As of May 11, 2010 the southeastern one-third of the state, from the center of the state to the coast was showing Abnormally Dry Conditions.
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