DOVER, Del. — Poor Week for Field Work: Maryland had an average of 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork while Delaware had an average of 1.0 days suitable for fieldwork this reporting period. Precipitation in Maryland reached a maximum of 3.18 inches of rainfall, reported from Ocean City, while Delaware reached a maximum of 2.38 inches of rainfall, reported from Dover. Number of days of precipitation ranged from 2 to 5 across the region. The temperature high was 66°F in Georgetown (DE), while the low was 18°F in Frostburg (MD). Some in the region experienced a snowfall.
Continued rainfall and this severe weather has slowed or halted grain harvest and cover crop/commodity wheat planting for some. Some may not be able to plant wheat at this point. Pasture and range condition has reportedly degraded this week, with most now reporting a fair or worse condition. Fieldwork activities (when applicable) this reporting period included harvest of grain corn and soybeans, winter wheat and barley planting, and cutting of hay.
REPORTERS COMMENTS, By County
Reporters are from Extension Service (Ext), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Conservation District (CD), farmers, commodity specialists, or other knowledgeable individuals.
Frederick County, MD – Matt Morris
Extremely wet conditions again have set harvest back. Around 5-7″ of snow fell on 11/15 as well. This will delay harvest for at least another week or more. Small grains that have not yet been planted are likely not going to be planted at all. It remains to be seen how soybeans will take the heavy snow and ice that fell.
Howard & Montgomery Counties, MD – Charles Schuster
Moisture continues to slow harvest. With both rain and snow to report during the reporting period, this has made both harvest and planting difficult. Soil conditions are wet, and field conditions make it difficult to get harvest equipment across fields without damaging soil structure. Wheat is show to germinate as soils are saturated with moisture and temperatures are cool to cold.
Sussex County, DE – Harry T Hudson III
Soybean harvest at a standstill because of the wet weather, gummy vines, and sloppy field conditions. Wheat planting waiting on soybean harvest – farmers may end up not planting all intended wheat.
Sussex County, DE – John Timmons
Hopefully Farmers can get into the field this Tuesday
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–USDA, NASS