Hurricane Ian Concerns on Cotton, Peanut Crops

Dan Cotton, Field Crops, Peanuts, Weather

When it comes to this week’s Southeast Crop Progress Report, cotton harvest has started in some areas. But, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says cotton crops now in the open boll stage in the Southern Atlantic region face the threat of impact from Hurricane Ian.

And Rippey looks at what the USDA’s report says about the peanut crop as of this past Sunday.

In Alabama, cotton bolls opening is 74 percent, which compares to 50 percent last year with the 5-year average at 69 percent. Cotton harvested is 4 percent, which compares to 3 percent last year and the 5-year average is also 3 percent. Peanuts dug are at 19 percent. That compares to 19 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 26 percent. Peanuts harvested are at 9 percent, which compares to 11 percent last year, while the 5-year average is 12 percent.

In Florida, cotton bolls opening is 53 percent, which compares to 36 percent last year with the 5-year average at 54 percent. Cotton harvested is 2 percent, which compares to 1 percent last year and the 5-year average is 2 percent. Peanuts dug are at 50 percent. That compares to 35 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 45 percent. Peanuts harvested are at 34 percent, which compares to 26 percent last year, while the 5-year average is 32 percent.

In Georgia, cotton bolls opening is 74 percent, which compares to 65 percent last year with the 5-year average at 74 percent. Cotton harvested is 3 percent, which compares to 2 percent last year and the 5-year average is 6 percent. Peanuts dug are at 25 percent. That compares to 15 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 24 percent. Peanuts harvested are at 12 percent, which compares to 6 percent last year, while the 5-year average is 13 percent.