General:
North Carolina
The state received scattered showers during the middle of last week, with precipitation reaching 1.86 inches in Winston-Salem. Average temperatures were above normal, ranging from 58 to 68 degrees. There were 5.4 days suitable for field work, compared to 4.9 from the previous week. Statewide soil moisture levels were rated at 8% short, 80% adequate and 12% surplus. Warm temperatures continue to allow producers to get in fields and begin soil preparation for major crop plantings. Highest temperature of the week was 91 recorded in both Chapel Hill and Fayetteville, the lowest temperature of the week was 32 recorded in Fletcher.
South Carolina
For the week ending April 4, 2010, most South Carolina locations saw above average temperatures and clear, sunny weather toward the latter part of the period. Excess rain and unusually cool temperatures throughout much of the winter season had delayed field preparations for many farmers. The high daytime temperatures this past week helped many fields to dry out. South Carolina’s soil moisture levels were reported as 5% short, 86% adequate and 9% surplus. There was a statewide average of 6.2 days suitable for field work. Chesnee recorded a late freeze of 32 degrees on Wednesday morning, the state’s high temperature for the week was recorded in Jamestown at 90 degrees.
Virginia
Unseasonably warm temperatures and drier weather conditions have allowed producers to catch up on early spring chores. Days suitable for field work were 5.0. Hay fields and pastures have greened up. Corn planting got off to a good start, where fields where dry enough. Small grain crops are looking better with the onset of warmer weather and favorable soil moisture conditions. Producers are continuing to top-dress wheat and barley fields that were too wet to work earlier in the season. The state’s high temperature was 91 recorded in Lynchburg, as well as the state’s low temperature of the week of 34.
Crop Progress:
North Carolina
Cabbage: 92% planted compared with 90% last week, last year 100% of the crop was planted, and the 5-year average is 96%
Corn: 34% of corn is planted compared to12% last week, and 12% last year. The 5-year average is 25%
Irish Potatoes: 99% of the crop is planted compared to 93% last week, and 98% last year. The 5-year average is 96%.
Winter Wheat: less than 40% of the winter wheat crop is in Fair Condition, a slight decline from last week, less than 10% of the crop is rated in Excellent Condition.
South Carolina
Corn: 40% of the crop is in the ground, with 12% emergence, 8% behind the 5-year average.
Tobacco transplanting: 8% is reported in the ground
Winter Wheat: conditions- 2% very poor, 4% poor, 50% fair, 40% good, and 4% excellent.
Peach: conditions - 19% fair, 69% good, and 12% excellent.
Virginia
Corn: 16% planted compared to 3% last week, and 10% last year, and a 16% 5-year average.
Summer Potatoes: 65 % planted this week with no comparison for last week, 70% last year and a 73% 5-year average.
Winter Wheat: 1% of the crop is rated very poor, 4% poor, 36 % fair, 55% good, and 4% excellent.
Drought Monitor
The drought monitors in North Carolina, South Carolina & Virginia remain clear of any drought
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