Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 5/5/14
 
There were 3.4 days suitable for field work for the week ending May 4th compared to 4.8 for the week
ending April 27th. Statewide topsoil moisture levels were rated at 6% short, 67% adequate and 27% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated at 5% short, 69% adequate and 26% surplus. Wheat condition was rated 1% very poor, 7% poor, 23% fair, 58% good and 11% excellent which is fairly similar to the conditions for barley and oats. Wheat headed was jumped significantly this week to 63% for the week. Corn progress was reported at 75% planted and 55% emerged and Flue-cured tobacco was reported at 41% transplanted. The state recorded slightly above normal temperatures with the average temperatures ranging from 55 to 74 degrees. Wet conditions in some areas delayed field work.

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CROP PROGRESS PERCENT – WITH COMPARISONS 
This Week    Last Week   Last Year   5-Year Avg
PHENOLOGICAL:
Corn % Emerged 55 32 67 67
Wheat % Headed 63 20 69 82
PLANTED:
Corn 75 60 87 91
Tobacco: Flue-cured 41 20 63 64

CROP CONDITION PERCENT
VP P F G EX
Barley 0 2 17 71 10
Oats 0 3 19 71 7
Wheat 1 7 23 58 11
Corn 0 3 23 70 4
Hay 1 2 33 60 4
Pasture 1 8 34 51 5
VP = Very Poor P = Poor F = Fair G = Good EX = Excellent

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT
VS ST A SS
Topsoil Moisture 0 6 67 27
Subsoil Moisture 0 5 69 26
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus

County Extension Reports:
The county was forecast to get 3 to 4 inches of rain, but
got next to nothing. Very dry conditions in the county
right now, with no rain in the forecast till next week. Corn
is emerging, cotton is being planted, and soybean fields
are being sprayed. Many farmers taking advantage of
the dry window to cut hay.
Stephen Bishop - Cleveland NRCS

Area missed rain so no field time lost. Corn recovered
from freeze damage, essentially no seedlings,
completely dead. Minor barley damage from freeze 2
weeks ago. No till land with moisture for seedling
emergence. Some of tilled land too dry for small seeds
to germinate. No till a plus for 10 days without rain like
we have had.
Steve Gibson - Catawba County Extension

Extremely wet conditions, 4 days of rain.
John Ivey - Guilford County Extension

Farmers began mowing barley for haylage and some
hay. Corn planting continues as soils dry. Fescue growth
is not as much as expected.
Carl Pless - Cabarrus County Extension

Frequent rains this week seriously limited field activities
in northeastern piedmont. The strawberry crop harvest
quickly became heavier than expected, leaving some
growers with surplus berries. A marketing campaign is
under way to encourage the public to take advantage of
this situation rather than to waste tons of berries.
Mike Wilder – Agronomist NC Region 6

Tobacco transplanting progressing well. A great deal of
the wheat crop is heading out. Many tobacco growers
are looking plants which appear to be in very short
supply this year. Corn planting is behind schedule do to
very wet soil conditions in Eastern part of county.
Brian Parrish - Harnett County Extension

Wheat is headed and flowering at this time. Disease
pressure is low. Heavy hessian fly damage is some
areas. Corn planting should be finishing soon. Tobacco
transplanting still continuing.
Mac Malloy - Robeson County Extension