According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly crop progress report, the cotton crop is above the five-year average in both development and harvest categories. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest numbers.
The report notes this is how the cotton and peanut crops were progressing across the Southeast as of this past Sunday:
In Alabama, cotton bolls opening is 62 percent, which compares to 48 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 52 percent. Cotton harvested was only one percent, which compares to just 1 percent both last year and the 5-year average. Peanuts dug are at 10 percent, which compares to 9 percent last year and the 5-year average of 10 percent. Peanuts harvested were 3 percent, which compares to 5 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 4 percent.
In Florida, cotton bolls opening is 48 percent, which compares to 45 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 38 percent. No cotton harvesting numbers were available. Peanuts dug are at 20 percent, which compares to 29 percent last year and the 5-year average of 30 percent. Peanuts harvested were 8 percent, which compares to 13 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 15 percent.
In Georgia, cotton bolls opening is 57 percent, which compares to 49 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 55 percent. No cotton harvesting numbers were available. Peanuts dug are at 3 percent, which compares to 5 percent last year and the 5-year average of 8 percent. Peanuts harvested were 2 percent, which compares to 2 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 3 percent.