Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 4/21/14
 
GENERAL: There were 3.4 days suitable for field work for the week ending April 20th compared to 5.5 for the week ending April 13th. Statewide topsoil moisture levels were rated at 3% short, 69% adequate and 28% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated at 4% short, 71% adequate and 25% surplus. Tobacco transplant supply is rated overall at 91% adequate and hay and roughage supply is rated 27% short and 68% adequate. Wheat condition is rated 26% fair and 57% good which is similar to the conditions for barley and oats. Corn progress is reported at 43% planted and 17% emerged. The state recorded below average temperatures with most of the state receiving over 1.5 inches of rainfall. The wet weather pattern slowed planting progress and left many newly planted crops in standing water. Cooler temperatures slowed plant growth and kept strawberry producers on alert for frost protection. There is some concern that freezing conditions may have damaged apple and peach crops as well as small grain crops which had already headed.

CROP PROGRESS PERCENT – WITH COMPARISONS        
This Week       Last Week       Last Year       5-Year Avg
PHENOLOGICAL:
Corn % Emerged       17       n/a       24       21
PLANTED:
Corn       43       20       59       58

CROP CONDITION PERCENT
VP       P       F       G       EX
Barley       0       2       23       69       6
Oats       0       2       23       68       7
Wheat       1       6       26       57       10
Pasture       1       10       38       47       4
VP = Very Poor P = Poor F = Fair G = Good EX = Excellent

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT
VS       ST       A       SS
Topsoil Moisture       0       3       69       28
Subsoil Moisture       0       4       71       25
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus

To read the full report, click here.