ATHENS, Ga. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Georgia, there were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, June 19, 2022. Precipitation ranged from no rain to 2.5 inches. Average high temperatures ranged from the high 80s to the high 90s. Average low temperatures ranged from the mid 60s to the mid 70s.
Crops
Dry conditions persisted across the state for most of the week. Most areas reported to be short or very short in soil moisture levels. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the Georgia row crop belt was experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with a growing portion of southeastern Georgia in moderate to severe drought.
Corn silking continued to progress. Irrigation ran non-stop on corn due to the crop being at a critical water needing period. Dryland corn conditions were suffering with the heat and dry weather, and in west Georgia some non-irrigated fields were reported to be a complete loss. Cotton fields were finished being planted behind small grains as squaring continued and setting of bolls began.
First cutting of hay wrapped up as yield and quality were reported to be down due to lack of rain and reduced fertilizer inputs. Hayfields were also struggling with regrowth due to rain levels. Soybean planting was reported to be delayed for some producers in southwestern Georgia due to hot and dry conditions.
Livestock and Pastures
Cattle remained in mostly good condition throughout the state. Heat and shade availability were concerns for producers last week. Forages were struggling due to lack of rain, and producers were reported to be feeding large amounts of hay. Pasture and range conditions continued to decline and were showing drought stress.
To view the complete report please click here! GA-CropProgress-06-21-22
–USDA, NASS