The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole brought substantial amounts of rain and high winds to the coastal counties and the eastern midlands. The storm system helped to further alleviate dry conditions but did bring some damage to the agriculture industry. Farmers reported 20% of light to moderate damage and 8% of heavy to severe damage resulting from the storm. Cooler temperatures were also observed. For the first time since July 4th, South Carolina’s average temperature for the weeklong period was below normal. The heavy rainfall stalled harvesting activities for many growers, but the moisture is expected to encourage the planting of small grains and winter grazings. Soil moisture conditions improved this past week and were reportedly 7% very short, 18% short, 63% adequate and 12% surplus. With wet weather, there was a statewide average of 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork in South Carolina.
Cotton - 88% of the crop had open bolls. 18% of the cotton crop had been harvested, ahead of the average for this time of year. Some cotton was water damaged in areas that had the heaviest rainfall. Cotton conditions were 3% very poor, 13% poor, 31% fair, 47% good and 6% excellent.
Peanut harvest remained well ahead of the average for this time of year. Some growers were concerned about the quality of their peanuts due to the increased moisture. Conditions increased slightly and were reportedly 3% poor, 33% fair, 56% good and 8% excellent.
Soybeans - 48% had turned color. One quarter of the crop had dropped leaves. Soybeans were just beginning to be harvested. Soybean conditions showed some signs of improvement: 5% very poor, 19% poor, 41% fair, 34% good and 1% excellent.
All TOBACCO had been harvested for 2010. 88% tobacco stalks had been destroyed.
12% WINTER WHEAT had been planted and 2% had emerged.
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