When it comes to the nation’s cotton crop, Hurricane Laura had an impact, especially with the fact that bolls were opening. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has an update on how many have opened across the belt.
Rippey notes the condition of the peanut crop is a bright spot.
In Alabama, 97% of the crop was setting bolls, which compares to 98% last year and the five-year average of 98%. Only 18% of the bolls were open, which compares to 43% last year and the five-year average of 33%. As for the peanut crop, conditions ratings are positive at 8% fair, 73% good and 19% excellent.
In Florida, 97% of the cotton crop was setting bolls, which compares to 94% last year and the five-year average of 90%. Only 22% of the bolls were open, which compares to 22% last year and the five-year average of 26%. As for peanut harvest, 13% of the crop has been dug, which compares to 3%last year and the 5-year average of 4%. Only 5% have been harvested, which compares to 2% last year and the 5-year average of 3%.
In Georgia, 98% of the cotton crop was setting bolls, which compares to 99% last year and the five-year average of 98%. Only 23% of the bolls were open, which compares to 39% last year and the five-year average of 30%. As for the peanut crop, conditions ratings are mostly positive at just 6% poor to very poor, 18% fair and 76% good to excellent.