According to the weekly Crop Progress Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cotton bolls are opening across the belt. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest on how the cotton crop is coming along.
Rippey also has good news about the peanut crop.
In Alabama, cotton setting bolls is 97 percent, which compares to 93 percent last year and the 5-year average of 95 percent. Bolls opening are at 14 percent, which compares to only 6 percent this time last year, while the 5-year average is 13 percent. Peanuts pegging are at 98 percent. That compares to 98 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 99 percent.
In Florida, cotton setting bolls is 96 percent, which compares to 97 percent last year and the 5-year average of 94 percent. Bolls opening are at 11 percent, which compares to 9 percent this time last year, while the 5-year average is 15 percent. Peanuts dug are at 3 percent, which compares to 3 percent last year and the 5-year average is 2 percent.
In Georgia, cotton setting bolls is 92 percent, which compares to 89 percent last year and the 5-year average of 93 percent. Bolls opening are at 12 percent, which compares to 10 percent this time last year, while the 5-year average is 14 percent.