Soggy Field Conditions Continue in South Carolina

There were 3.8 days suitable for field work in South Carolina, about the same as the previous week, as reported in the latest, and second to last crop progress report for the week ended November 22^nd.  Topsoil moisture is rated at 51% adequate and 49% surplus.  Charles Davis with Calhoun County reports that soggy field conditions and continued rainfall are still hampering harvest efforts.  Most fields are unable to support equipment.  And Mark Nettles with Orangeburg County reports that it’s becoming apparent that many fields may not get harvested this season due to poor crop quality and excessive soil moisture.

Rain and Excessive Soil Moisture Continues to Delay Harvest and Wheat Planting

In the latest crop progress report for conditions through Sunday, November 22, there were 3.5 suitable for field work in North Carolina, about the same as the previous week.  Topsoil moisture is rated at 4% very short, 4% short, 52% average and 40% surplus.  Janice Nicholson with Rutherford County FSA reports that corn, soybeans and hay were harvested during the dry periods during the week, but harvest is still being delayed by rain. And Mike Carroll with Craven County Extension says that wheat in his area isn’t being planted due to excessive moisture in the soil, and that same moisture continues to delay harvest and degrade quality.

N.C. turkey litter power plant on track

North Carolina on track to become is home to the nation’s first waste-to-energy plant that burns 100 percent turkey litter.

Set to open the first quarter of 2016, a $25 million, 165,000-square-foot waste-to-energy facility in Sampson County will convert turkey waste into the equivalent of 95 million kilowatt hours of electricity, according to media reports.

Prestage AgEnergy, a division of Prestage Farms, proposed the waste-to-energy facility to generate steam to power its processes using 55,000 tons waste from more than 60 producers in the eastern half of the state.