In the latest crop conditions report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that 43 percent of bolls are open in the nation’s cotton crop, which is ahead of the 5-year average of 37 percent. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that includes states that were grazed by Hurricane Dorian.
But the condition of the nation’s peanut crop is slipping, and Rippey notes why one state in the Southeast is seeing a decline.
In Alabama, 57 percent of the bolls were open, which compares to 52 percent last year at this time. Four percent of the peanuts had been dug, which compares to only 1 percent this time last year.
In Florida, 38 percent of the bolls were open, which compares to 34 percent last year at this time. Fifteen percent of the peanuts had been dug, which compares to 12 percent this time last year.
In Georgia, 59 percent of the bolls were open, which compares to only 38 percent last year at this time. Five percent of the peanuts had been dug, which compares to 4 percent this time last year.