Area of Abnormally Dry Conditions in North Carolina Shrinks

In the latest drought monitor released by USDA on Thursday, North Carolina’s abnormally dry conditions decreased from more than 51% to just over 47%. Two areas of the Piedmont are now drought free; North Hampton County, part of Hertford County and Gates County to the north, and Robeson, part of Bladen and Pender Counties to the South. The remainder of the Piedmont remains in abnormally dry conditions with the Coastal Plain and the mountains drought free.

Area of South Carolina Experiencing Abnormally Dry Conditions Shrinks

In South Carolina’s latest drought monitor released Thursday, the area experiencing abnormally dry conditions decreased from more than 68% to just over 56% from the previous week. The northern Coastal Plain from Horry County to northern Charleston County inland to parts of Williamsburg, Marion, and Berkley Counties are drought free, as is the upstate. The remainder of the midlands from the North Carolina border to the Georgia border continue to experience abnormally dry conditions.

Virginia Grower Breaks All-time Corn Production Record

David Hula of Charles City, Va., has broken the corn yield world record in the 2013 National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Yield Contest. Winning the No-Till/Strip-Till Irrigated category, David Hula produced an entry of 454.98 bushels per acre, the highest mark ever recorded by the NCGA in its annual contest. Hula’s winning hybrid was Pioneer® brand hybrid P2088YHR

China reportedly to re-investigate U.S. poultry shipments for WTO violations

China will reportedly re-investigate U.S. poultry-product shipments for potential violations of trade terms after the World Trade Organization ruled against penalties the government imposed on imports, according to Bloomberg.
It will seek evidence that U.S. white-feather poultry products were subsidized and sold below cost, according to a statement today on the website of the Ministry of Commerce.

Duke Encouraged to Switch to Solar Power with SC Plant

Two environmental groups are urging Duke Energy to develop a solar farm in Anderson County.
The State newspaper reported that the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy have asked regulators to order Duke to produce up to 375 megawatts of solar energy capability.

Duke’s response with the Public Service Commission says it would need more than 2,600 acres for a solar farm to generate as much electricity as the groups propose. Duke also says the solar farm would not produce as much electricity as the natural gas plant on a 20-acre site. Duke is building a natural gas plant in Anderson County.