Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 1/2/18


DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELD WORK
This Week Last Week Last Year 5-Year Avg.
6.0 n/a n/a n/a

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT
VS ST A SS
Topsoil Moisture
5 44 48 3
Subsoil Moisture
6 30 61 3
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus

CROP PROGRESS PERCENT – WITH COMPARISONS
This Week Last Week Last Year 5 Yr. Avg.


CROP CONDITION PERCENT
VP P F G EX

Barley 0 2 36 58 4
Oats 1 8 24 61 6
Pasture 0 9 36 54 1
Wheat 0 4 24 57 15
VP = Very Poor P = Poor F = Fair G = Good EX = Excellent

COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT REPORTS

A heavy snow event earlier in the month made tending livestock somewhat difficult as most of the county received between 5"-8" of snow with some heavier accumulations at the higher elevations. Temperatures for the month were highly variable with some highs well above normal and some low temperatures near single digits. Main farm work for the month included tending livestock, finishing Christmas tree harvest and sales, and stripping, baling burley tobacco. Stanley Holloway – Yancey County Extension

Dry cold conditions are hampering development of the small grain crops. An extended week of very cold weather is likely to further hurt later planted small grains. Much of the wheat crop needs a decent rain, warmer temperatures and a shot of Nitrogen to promote tillering. Don Nicholson – Agronomist Region 7

Still in need of precipitation to help refill irrigation ponds and recharge wells after demand during growing season.
Zachary Taylor – Lee County Extension

The last month has seen snow, some rain, cold and dry spells. We have had it all. Snowfall of 8" -18" on December 8 & 9 with 3.5" of monthly rainfall, which was .8" below normal. Temperatures near normal with Cold Snap forming near month's end with temps near 0 to 10 F and highs near 20 -30 F.
Robert Hawk – Swain County Extension

Frigid temperatures at the end of December caused some injury to small fruits and tree fruits. Will know more by the end of January.
Taylor Williams - Moore County Extension

Very little rainfall in December.
Tim Britton – Johnston County Extension
.
For the full report, click here.