Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 10/5/15

DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELD WORK
This Week Last Week Last Year 5-Year Avg.
1.1            4.1                  5.6              4.8 

SOIL MOISTURE PERCENT

VS ST A SS

Topsoil Moisture 6 8 30 56
Subsoil Moisture 5 11 49 35
VS= Very Short ST = Short A = Adequate SS = Surplus

CROP CONDITION PERCENT 

 VP P F G EX  

Cotton 8 14 24 47 7

Pasture 10 27 37 23 3 

Peanuts 4 11 27 51 7

Soybeans 10 17 29 37 7  

Sweet Potatoes 2 16 32 47 3 

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

CROP PROGRESS PERCENT – WITH COMPARISONS
This Week Last Week Last Year 5 Yr. Avg.
PHENOLOGICAL:
Cotton Bolls Opening 87 83 84 87  
Soybean Dropping Leaves 54 44 44 41
HARVESTED:
Apples 70 65 76 71  
Corn for Grain 85 80 78 86
Corn Silage 95 93 88 96
Hay 3rd cutting 64 61 76 63
Sweet Potatoes 27 22 49 42
Tobacco Flue Cured 79 79 84 89
Tobacco Burley 60 60 74 87

COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT REPORTS

6-8 inches rainfall over the last week has saturated tobacco and late cucurbit fields delaying harvests and has compromised both crops. Fortunately, flooding has not been significant thus far. Much of the region was near drought conditions prior to this week's rain event and in the long run should help soil moisture conditions greatly. At this time, it is not clear how much soybeans have been impacted by excessive rain on a maturing crop. 
Dwayne Tate – Agronomist Region 12 

Eleven straight days of rain significantly changed the situation from drought to wet. Precipitation amounts were variable but most of the county received between 6 to10" of rain in the last week. A few smaller streams overflowed their banks; however, no significant damage has been reported. The higher elevations in the southern portion of the county received the most rain, with Mount Mitchell reporting nearly 26" of rain in the last two weeks. Wet conditions severely impacted field activities. 
Stanley Holloway - Yancey County Extension

Region 8 received welcomed but excessive rains over the last week. All crops that were either ready for harvest or being harvested are in a state of decline due to the length of it raining. Even livestock operations are hindered in feeding their livestock. Tractors and livestock are miring up the pastures. Tobacco farmers are having a difficult time in getting their tobacco out of the field. Robin Watson – Agronomist Region 8 

NCDA Region 6 generally spared severe flooding with a few exceptions, with 4.5 to 7 inches of rain over the past 10 days. Rivers have risen to above normal, but many ponds are still below or approaching normal levels due to previous dry weather. The most serious ag impact at this time remains the inability to harvest tobacco, soybeans, cotton, peanuts, sorghum, sweet potatoes as quality deteriorates. Strawberry planting is on hold, as now is the optimum time to do so in this area.
Mike Wilder – Agronomist Region 6

The almost continuous rain prevented fieldwork during the week. Some areas of the county received in excess of 6 inches during this period. Crop conditions have deteriorated across the board and we expect yield and quality losses of those remaining the field. Some fields peanuts have been dug but could not be picked due to weather condition thus they have laid on the ground for ten plus days. Expect increased harvest losses when peanut harvest resumes. Reports of cotton seed sprouting in the bolls.
Richard Rhodes – Bertie County Extension 

Heavy rainfall the previous week (6"+) combined with non-stop rains Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday have caused widespread flooding. Last 20% of field corn acreage may not get harvested because of mold problems. A promising soybean crop is in jeopardy of being completely flooded out due to excessive rainfall - between 13,000 and 14,000 acres annually in Pender County. Will be doing crop damage assessments in the rain today for emergency management and disaster declaration purposes.  Stands that were 36"-48" tall with good vigor have lodged and are sitting in standing water as rain continues to fall. Expecting to see seeds to sprout in pods and Sclerotinia problems to damage lodged beans making them unmarketable. 
Mark Seitz - Pender County Extension

Prolonged periods of rainy weather have declined crop conditions and delayed harvest. Reports of sorghum, cotton, and soybean sprouting before harvest are a growing concern. Time will tell how much impact this streak of wet weather will have across the county. No reports of flash flooding at this point as soils have been able to handle the rates of precipitation.
Mac Malloy – Robeson County Extension 

For the full report, click here.