Planting of cotton and peanut seed continues across the Southeast. But according to the weekly report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS), the number of acres planted are a bit behind what has been normal over the past five years. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says rain is causing delays, especially in cotton planting.
In Alabama, 68% of the cotton crop has been planted, which compares to 77% last year, and 76% is the 5-year average; 61% of the peanut crop has been planted, which compares to 70% last year and the 5-year average is 66%.
In Florida, only 38% of the cotton crop has been planted, which compares to 65% last year, and 61% is the 5-year average; 80% of the peanut crop has been planted, which compares to 83% last year and the 5-year average of 77%.
In Georgia, 61% of the cotton crop has been planted, which compares to 55% last year, and 62% is the 5-year average; 66% of the peanut crop has been planted, which compares to 63% last year and the 5-year average of 71%.