ATHENS, Ga. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Georgia, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 13, 2019. Precipitation estimates for the state ranged from no rain to 3.04 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the mid 60s to the high 80s. Average low temperatures ranged from the mid 50s to the low 70s.
County Comments
With continued dry weather, soybeans began defoliating. There were no pastures left for grazing, and producers were unable to establish winter annuals due to the lack of soil moisture.
–Ryan Brown, Meriwether County
A lot of cotton, peanuts, and soybeans were harvested, but more remains. Some rainfall was received at the end of the week, but much more is needed to refill ponds, creeks, and rivers. Hayfields will not get another cutting, causing concern among many cattle producers about feed throughout the upcoming winter.
–Cole Moon, Bleckley County
Drought conditions continued to cause declines in crop conditions. Peanut producers began harvesting irrigated acres first and have been waiting on rain to harvest nonirrigated acres. Unfortunately, no rainfall has been received, and due to the substantial decline in vine health, increased pod damage, and lack of fill, growers began harvesting non-irrigated peanuts as well. Dryland cotton was in very poor condition; irrigated cotton appeared to be better. Pastures declined earlier than normal and hay feeding began, which increased input costs and will lower hay supplies for normal winter feeding.
–Pam Sapp, Jefferson County
Late planted cotton looked dry, but early planted cotton looked good running through the gins.
–Joshua Grant, Crisp County
–USDA, NASS