Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 4/25/16

DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELD WORK

This Week Last Week Last Year 5-Year Avg. 

5.6                     6.1        4.1           4.8 

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT
VS ST A SS 
Topsoil Moisture 3 18 72 7 
Subsoil Moisture 1 13 77 9
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus

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

PLANTED:  
Corn 73 46 54 66
Tobacco 17 n/a 14 21  
 
PHENOLOGICAL:

Corn % Emerged 34 12 20 32
Wheat % Headed 40 22 26 43

CROP CONDITION PERCENT 

VP P F G EX

Barley 2 14 41 39 4

Corn 0 1 24 63 12

Oats 1 7 32 55 5

Pasture 2 15 38 39 6

Wheat 5 15 34 39 7  

VP = Very Poor P = Poor F = Fair G = Good EX = Excellent

COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT REPORTS

Dry conditions continue. Some rain late in the week gave a little relief; however, most of the county only received around 0.5" or less. Corn planting continues and hay and pastures are looking good. Dry soil conditions are making field preparations difficult, especially in heavier soils. 
Stanley Holloway - Yancey County Extension

Getting very dry. A trace of rain today but not enough to help.
Donna Teasley – Burke County Extension 

It was a great week for transplanting tobacco. Strawberry harvest is also in full swing.
Mike Wilder – Agronomist Region 6 

Strawberry growers are harvesting/picking at full speed. Tobacco grower are geared up and planting at full speed this week. Moisture levels are low and hopefully we will get some rainfall later this week. Small grains are heading out and is in need for moisture for growth/yields. Hay crop seems to be short this year already at the beginning of the harvesting season.
Joey Knight Caswell County Extension

Majority of wheat crop is has headed. Conditions are low risk for Head Scab infection. Corn planting is finishing up in the area with most of the stands looking really good. Around 1.5" rain recorded Friday which will improve topsoil moisture conditions for planting this week. Anticipate cotton and soybean planting to start this week. 
Mac Malloy - Robeson County Extension

Tobacco transplanting is progressing nicely. Rains over the region late in the week has greatly helped with the survivability of the recently transplanted crop, added moisture in the ridge and warm temperatures this week should add up to a good week for
tobacco growers. Rains were also much needed on the wheat and rapeseed crops, had it missed both crops would have been in distress for moisture.
Don Nicholson – Agronomist Region 7 

Late week showers helped get corn started. Tobacco is starting to be set. So fields could use a shower.
Daniel Simpson – Pamlico County Extension 

Seeing lots of Hessian fly and strip rust damage in wheat.
Norman Harrell – Wilson County Extension 

Most farmers started setting tobacco this past week. Much needed rains have improved planting and crop growing conditions. Rape seed crop is in full bloom across the county. Strawberries are looking good at this point.
Brian Parrish – Harnett County Extension 

Light scattered showers late Saturday helped put moisture back in the soil surface for good planting conditions. More rain needed. Cool night time temperatures are keeping dry field conditions from being too much of a concern. Strawberry harvest is in its 5th week with good quality and yields.
Marc Seitz – Pender County Extension 

For the full report, click here.