Harvest Progress Still Behind Average

Harvest Progress Still Behind Average

Tim Hammerich
Tim Hammerich
News Reporter
Here with your Southeast Regional Ag Report, I’m Tim Hammerich.

The peanut harvest is close to wrapping up for the year, but progress is still behind the average. Heavy rainfall and tropical storms have played a factor especially in top producing states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.

Here is USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

Rippey… “In the Southeast and Southern Plains, the peanut harvest now 85% complete nationally. Five-year average is 89%. Last year we were at 92% harvested on November 15th. And there's only a couple of States among the eight that report that have harvest progress of ahead of average. Alabama is one 91% harvested versus 90% on average. In South Carolina, some of the heaviest rains have missed the peanut production areas. As a result, South Carolina harvested 83% versus the five-year average of 81%.”

Rippey says this is slow pace is not unique to the peanut crop. Southeast cotton production is also behind the five year average pace.

Rippey… “All five Southeastern States, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas are well behind their average pace. And as I mentioned, the slowest, Virginia: 40% harvested compares to the five-year average of 82%.”

Farmers are hopeful for some cooperation from the weather to complete this year’s long growing season.

Previous ReportGeorgia's Doster Harper Elected National FFA President
Next ReportCRISPR for Citrus Greening