The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently started issuing their weekly crop progress reports for the 2022 season, and as of this past Sunday, NASS reports in Alabama there were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork, in Florida 6.4 days were suitable, while in Georgia there were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
Corn planted in Alabama was at 38 percent, which compares to 21 percent last year and the 5-year average is 36 percent. In Georgia, corn planted as of this past Sunday was at 60 percent, which compares to 67 percent last year and the 5-year average is 69 percent.
Cotton planting in Alabama had not started yet, but last year at this same time it was 1 at percent while the 5-year average is zero. Cotton planting in Georgia had yet to start, but last year at this time it was at 2 percent complete while 1 percent is the 5-year average. In Florida, NASS reports no cotton had been planted as of April 10th.
Peanut planting had not begun yet in Alabama or Georgia, but in Florida it is underway. As of this past Sunday, 2 percent had been planted which compares to 7 percent last year at this time and the 5-year average is 4 percent.
In Alabama, NASS reports cattle and pastures were in mostly good condition throughout the state. Cattle farmers were working calves and moved cattle to green plots for grazing. Pastures continued to improve with warmer temperatures.
In Florida, cattle and pastures and range conditions remained in mostly fair and good condition. Despite improvement in conditions over the past few weeks, many pastures remained dry and needed additional rainfall.
In Georgia, the report notes livestock and pastures were generally in good condition throughout the state. Cattle producers continued to feed hay with some producers running low on hay supplies. Lice and mites were noted to be an issue for cattle in some areas. Cool weather slowed pasture growth.