Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 3/26/14

The March farm report released on March 26 by USDA’s NASS NC Field Office reports that the weather pattern during the month of February was up and down. The state experienced bitterly cold temperatures with sleet and snow and warm, sunny conditions with highs into the 70’s. The cold wet temperatures have kept farmers out of the fields in some parts of the state as well as delayed small grain growth. There have been some indications of freeze damage to fruit trees but the extent of the damage will take time to determine.

Tobacco greenhouses were being seeded in preparation for the 2014 crop year. There were 3.6 days suitable for field work for the week ending March 2nd compared to 1.5 for the week ending February 2nd. Statewide soil moisture levels the week ending March 2nd were rated at 2% short, 68% adequate and 30% surplus. Small grains were rated fair to good, hay supply was recorded as adequate, and pasture conditions were rated at 44% fair. Trout sales in NC totaled $6.7 million in 2013, up 6% from $6.3 million in 2012. Catfish sales in NC totaled $4.4 million in 2013, down 23% from $5.7 million in 2012.Broiler-type eggs in incubators for the South Atlantic Region on February 1, 2014 totaled 242,155,000. The total was up 3% from the February 1, 2013 total of 234,696,000 eggs. The total number of egg-type eggs in incubators on February 1, 2014 increased 4% from 4,627,000 eggs in 2013 to 4,809,000. For the full report, click here.