Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 3/29/18

“The USDA’s Prospective Plantings release out today is the first survey-based estimates of NC farmers’ planting intentions for the year,” said Dee Webb, North Carolina State Statistician. “The March Agricultural Survey provided the factual data that underpins these projections, making it one of the most important surveys we conduct each year. Grower’s responses, provided essential information that helped determine prospective production and the potential supply of major commodities for 2018. This information will allow NC farmers to make informed business decisions for the upcoming growing season.” 

• Corn plantings are expected to total 900,000 acres in 2018, up 1% from 2017. 
• Cotton growers intend to plant 440,000 acres in 2018, up 17% from last year. 
• Flue-cured tobacco growers expect to harvest 158,000 acres in 2018, down 3% from 2017. 
• Soybean plantings, expected to total 1,600 acres in 2018, down 6% from 2017. 
• Peanut growers intend to plant 105,000 acres in 2018, down 12% from 2017. 
• Sweet potato growers intend to plant 85,000 acres, down 6% from last year. 
• Winter wheat plantings totaled 480,000 acres, up 7% from last year. 

*Planting intentions as of March 1. Actual plantings may change based on weather, input costs, commodity prices, etc. and will be reflected in the Acreage report released June 29.

For the full report, click here.