Both the nation’s cotton and peanut crops are progressing better than at this time a year ago, according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. He first looks at how cotton fares at this time.
Rippey says the peanut crop is better looking than a year ago as well.
In Alabama, 95% of the crop was setting bolls, which compares to 96% last year, and the five-year average of 96%. Thirteen percent of the bolls were open, which compares to 24% last year, and the five-year average is 20%. As for the peanut crop, conditions ratings are positive at 9% fair, 70% good and 21% excellent.
In Florida, 96% of the cotton crop was setting bolls, which compares to 92% last year and the five-year average of 88%. 17% of the bolls were open, which compares to 15% last year, and the five-year average of 19%. Peanut harvest has begun, as 4% have been dug, which compares to 1% last year, and the 5-year average is 1%. Two percent have been harvested, which compares to 1% last year, and the 5-year average is 1 percent.
In Georgia, 95% of the cotton crop was setting bolls, which compares to 96% last year, and the five-year average of 96%. Fourteen percent of the bolls were open, which compares to 28% last year, and the five-year average is 18%. As for the peanut crop, conditions ratings are mostly positive at just 6% poor to very poor, 20% fair and 74 percent good to excellent.