According to the weekly crop report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), real harvest progress is being noted, helped by the good weather conditions.
USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey reports this week the condition of the cotton crop has improved. And that includes the Georgia crop, which of course took a major hit from Hurricane Helene.
And Rippey also has the latest on the peanut crop.
The USDA 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 96 percent, which compares to 93 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 93 percent. Cotton harvested was 45 percent, which compares to 37 percent last year with the 5-year average being 34 percent. Peanuts dug are at 80 percent, which compares to 80 percent last year and the 5-year average of 77 percent. Peanuts harvested were 51 percent, which compares to 69 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 61 percent.
In Florida, cotton bolls opening is 90 percent, which compares to 93 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 88 percent. Cotton harvested was 28 percent, which compares to just 20 percent last year and the 5-year average is 17 percent. Peanuts dug are at 78 percent, which compares to 83 percent last year and the 5-year average of 85 percent. Peanuts harvested were 65 percent, which compares to 72 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 72 percent.
In Georgia, cotton bolls opening is 94 percent, which compares to 92 percent this time last year, with the 5-year average is 92 percent. Cotton harvested was 29 percent, which compares to just 19 percent last year while the 5-year average is 28 percent. Peanuts dug are at 55 percent, which compares to 64 percent last year and the 5-year average of 72 percent. Peanuts harvested were 40 percent, which compares to 49 percent this time last year while the 5-year average is 56 percent.