Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 5/14/14
 
There were 6.4 days suitable for field work for the week ending May 11th compared to 3.4 for the week ending May 4th. Statewide topsoil moisture levels were rated at 1% very short, 20% short, 68% adequate and 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated at 1% very short, 10% short, 78% adequate and 11% surplus. Wheat condition was rated 4% poor, 22% fair, 62% good and 12% excellent this is similar to the conditions for barley and oats. Wheat continued its upward climb this week to 86% for wheat headed. Corn progress was reported at 90% planted and 70% emerged. Flue-cured tobacco was reported at 66% transplanted. The state recorded slightly above normal temperatures with the average temperatures ranging from 40 to 93 degrees.

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CROP PROGRESS PERCENT – WITH COMPARISONS        
This Week       Last Week       Last Year       5-Year Avg
PHENOLOGICAL:
Corn % Emerged       70       55       83       84
Wheat % Headed       86       63       87       94
PLANTED:
Corn       90       75       92       96
Cotton       26       7       32       46
Peanuts       17       5       23       28
Soybeans       13       3       7       14
Tobacco: Flue-cured       66       41       75       80

CROP CONDITION PERCENT
VP       P       F       G       EX
Barley       0       2       16       71       11
Oats       0       2       17       73       8
Wheat       0       4       22       62       12
Corn       0       2       19       72       7
Hay       0       3       29       63       5
Pasture       1       7       32       55       5
VP = Very Poor P = Poor F = Fair G = Good EX = Excellent

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT
VS       ST       A       SS
Topsoil Moisture       1       20       68       11
Subsoil Moisture       1       10       78       11
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus


COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT COMMENTS

It was a great week for field work. It was difficult to ride by a farm and tell what was being planted with grower's transplanting tobacco, planting corn, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans all at the same time. As good as it was to see grower's making progress in the field; our shallow rooted small grain crops need rain. 
Chris Jernigan – Agronomist NC Region 3 

Planting continued as weather conditions improved and topsoil dried enough for planting activities. Tobacco transplant supply is short, and farmers are seeking sources of seedlings. Hay harvest started during the week, though showers kept many farmers from starting
hay harvest. Pastures are in good shape, so livestock should improve body condition.
Paul Westfall - Granville County Extension

Growers progressed well last week in planting tobacco and corn. Soil temperatures were warm enough to also begin planting soybeans and cotton. With the warm-up, there's a small balance in adequate topsoil moisture. Hope to see rain sometime this week so topsoil moisture is not limited. I'm hearing very few insect complaints to this point. Tobacco plants are short. 
Roy Thagard - Greene County Extension

Many farmers are finished or will finish tobacco transplanting this coming week. Corn planting is also nearing completion. Sweet potatoes are just starting to be transplanted. Cotton and Soybean planting is well underway. Some grain sorghum is being planted in heavy deer pressure areas or in situations where a rotation is needed. Many farmers electing not to plant grain sorghum this year. Oats are being cut and baled for hay and last minute litter applications are being made as wet soil conditions improve.
Brian Parrish - Harnett County Extension

Conditions are improving with soils drying to allow planting of tobacco and cotton. Many farmers have been able to get most of their tobacco transplanted. Some replanting will have to be done due to heavy washing rains and corn replanting is taking place as well.
Colby Lambert - Cumberland County Extension