Crop Progress - State Stories 

ISSN: 2470-9816

Released March 26, 2019, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).

ALABAMA:     March temperatures were generally on par with historical 
averages. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 1.2 inches in multiple 
locations to 6.6 inches in Jackson County. According to the U.S. Drought 
Monitor, 4.5 percent of the State had abnormally dry conditions by month's 
end, compared to being free of abnormally dry conditions at the beginning of 
March. Tornadoes caused severe damage in several Southern counties on 
March 3. Frequent rains in the first half of the month, coupled with already 
flooded fields from February rains, delayed row crop field preparations and 
small grain and winter grazing fertilizer and chemical applications. Dry 
weather during the third week of the month allowed producers to begin 
catching up on delayed fieldwork as well as to begin planting corn. Winter 
wheat was in fair to good condition. Livestock farmers continued to feed hay 
and supplements as pastures were slow to recover from the cold and wet winter 
conditions. Most producers had adequate supplies on hand at the end of the 
month. Livestock and pastures were in fair to good condition, depending on 
the severity of flooding on each farm. Sub-freezing temperatures in early 
March may have negatively impacted the peach and blueberry crops.
ALASKA:     DATA NOT AVAILABLE
ARIZONA:     The following is for the entire month of March 2019. By the end 
of the month, cotton planting was 24 percent complete, according to the 
Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service, USDA. Ninety-five percent of barley was planted, 89 percent had 
emerged, and 21 percent had reached the headed stage compared with 32 percent 
last year. Barley conditions were rated mostly good. Fourteen percent of 
durum wheat reached the headed stage compared with 28 percent last year. 
Durum wheat conditions were rated mostly good. Alfalfa conditions were rated 
mostly good, depending on location last week with harvesting taking place on 
more than three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage across the State. For the 
entire State, pasture and range conditions were rated mostly good to fair.
ARKANSAS:     The month of March has been wet and cool. The first of the 
month had a number of rainy days but the last half of the month welcomed 
warmer temperatures and drier conditions. During mid-month, temperatures for 
the State averaged 50.9 degrees and received an average of 1.57 inches of 
rainfall. Towards the end of the month, rainfall decreased with a weekly 
average of 0.33 inch and temperatures averaging 53.0 degrees for the State. 
Livestock, pasture, and hay conditions started to improve as the weather 
improved. Row crop producers finally started field preparation for the 
upcoming season. Many fields still need to be worked to remove ruts and 
prepare for planting. Very little planting of row crops has occurred.
CALIFORNIA:     Topsoil moisture 90% adequate and 10% surplus. Subsoil 
moisture 30% adequate and 70% surplus. Winter wheat condition 5% fair, 
20% good, and 75% excellent. Pasture and range condition 10% poor, 20% fair, 
40% good, and 30% excellent. All estimates are for the week ending 
March 24, 2019. Throughout the month, California experienced temperatures 
slightly below average. Rainfall throughout most of the State was also 
slightly below average. Pastures started to green up, but livestock remained 
on supplemental feed. Peaches and prunes have started to bloom. Asparagus 
harvest was halted because of rain. Processed tomato transplanting has begun.
COLORADO:     For the week ending March 24, topsoil moisture was 2% very 
short, 9% short, 82% adequate, and 7% surplus. For the week ending March 24, 
subsoil moisture was 3% very short, 15% short, 80% adequate, and 2% surplus. 
For the week ending March 24, barley planted was 1% compared to 1% in 2018. 
For the week ending March 24, winter wheat pastured was 16% compared with 9% 
in 2018; 5% poor, 27% fair, 55% good, and 13% excellent. For the week ending 
March 24, cows calved was 47% compared to 39% in 2018. For the week ending 
March 24, ewes lambed was 42% compared with 37% in 2018. For the week ending 
March 24, livestock condition was 1% very poor, 3% poor, 26% fair, 65% good, 
and 5% excellent. For the week ending March 24, cattle death loss was 
13% heavy, 75% average, 12% light. For the week ending March 24, sheep death 
loss was 7% heavy, 57% average, and 36% light. For the week ending March 24, 
pasture and range condition was 2% very poor, 10% poor, 50% fair, 34% good, 
and 4% excellent. For the week ending March 24, feed and concentrate supplies 
were 1% very short, 22% short, 75% adequate, and 2% surplus. Soil moisture 
supplies improved considerably during March due to significant storms. 
Fieldwork remained stalled due to continued wet conditions. Heavy snowfall 
and blizzard conditions mid-March caused loss of livestock, particularly in 
northeastern and east central counties. Feed supplies in the San Luis Valley 
were noted as particularly tight. Overall, condition of winter wheat and 
rangeland improved due to received moisture. Reporters also noted losses 
during calving and lambing were more than normal due to cold temperatures and 
wet conditions in March. Statewide snowpack was 140 percent measured 
as percent of median snowfall as of March 21, 2019.
DELAWARE:     The month of March saw a period of favorable ground conditions, 
allowing for progression in fieldwork across the State. Fieldwork activities 
included repairing fall ruts, planting of spring forage crops (including 
grass, alfalfa, and oats), top dressing/N-application on small grains, and 
spreading lime and poultry litter. Winter wheat has been greening. Farmers 
will continue to monitor fruit crops for damage caused by extreme temperature 
fluctuations over the winter months. The end of March brought more than 
2.0 inches of rain for much of the reporting region, resulting in a return to 
saturation and some laying water. Vegetable producers will be planting peas 
when field conditions allow for it.
FLORIDA:     Total rainfall for the month ranged from 0.47 inches in Orange 
County to 15.67 inches in Palm Beach County. According to the March 21, 2019 
U.S. Drought Monitor, 7.25 percent of the State was experiencing abnormally 
dry conditions at the month's end, down slightly from 7.74 percent on 
February 26, 2019. The dry conditions are almost exclusively along the 
Atlantic coastal counties, from the mid to Southern Peninsula. Average 
temperatures were as much as 5.5 degrees above normal for the month. Pasture 
conditions remained mostly fair to good, improving most notably in the 
Southern Peninsula later in the month. Cattle remained in good condition 
throughout the month. Many growers were able to prepare the land for planting 
field crops, and by the end of the month corn was planted in multiple 
counties. Warmer temperatures and wet conditions continued to present disease 
pressures to fruit and vegetable crops throughout the State. A wide range of 
vegetable crops came to the market including broccoli, cauliflower, pepper, 
and zucchini. Citrus grove operations were normal for this time of year and 
included spraying, applying herbicide, and taking care of young trees. 
Tangerines were harvested throughout the month. Fresh market white grapefruit 
harvest finished by the end of the month. Some trees began to form fruit for 
next season's crop. Irrigation was run regularly throughout the month in all 
citrus producing areas.
GEORGIA:     Total rainfall for the month ranged from 1.33 inches in Bibb 
County to 6.30 inches in Gilmer County. Temperatures were above average in 
several counties this month. Wet weather persisted for the first half of the 
month in the Northern part of the State. Conversely, according to the U.S. 
Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions moved into many counties in the 
Southeastern part of the State, with moderate drought conditions impacting a 
few counties. Livestock producers throughout the State were feeding hay where 
grazing conditions were poor. Fertilizer, lime, and some pesticides were 
spread on pastures this month. Unseasonably cold temperatures and late frosts 
negatively impacted some peach and blueberry crops causing minimal losses. 
Many producers have begun preparing the land for planting field crops. Some 
growers in the Southern part of the State have already begun planting corn. 
There were reports in Southwest Georgia of cotton fields which were never 
harvested due to the wet winter.
HAWAII:     DATA NOT AVAILABLE
IDAHO:     Idaho was waiting to start planting due to high moisture and low 
temperatures. Ground in Boundary County was still frozen with snow cover. 
Snow was melting rapidly on the Southern, Southwestern, and Southeastern 
slopes in Latah and Nez Perce Counties, but soils remained too saturated to 
work. Spring calving was nearing completion in Southwestern Idaho. Topsoil in 
Cassia and Minidoka Counties were dry, but subsoil continued to be very wet. 
Rangeland needed more heat before it became usable. Tractors recently started 
to enter fields in Jerome and Twin Falls Counties. Winter pastures were in 
poor conditions while spring pastures began to green. Camas County had at 
least three feet of snow in fields, while Bear Lake and Teton Counties had at 
least two feet of snow. The ground was thawing and snow was melting in Oneida 
County. Snow was melting with the welcoming of rain in Power County. Teton 
County experienced some minor flooding.
ILLINOIS:     For the week ending March 24, 2019, topsoil moisture was 
44% adequate and 56% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 45% adequate and 
55% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 4% very poor, 10% poor, 
45% fair, 36% good, and 5% excellent. Statewide, the average temperature in 
March was 34.9 degrees, 4.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 
2.45 inches for the month, 0.16 inch below normal.
INDIANA:     Topsoil moisture for the month of March was 1% short, 
55% adequate, and 44% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month of March was 
1% short, 60% adequate, and 39% surplus. Winter wheat condition for the month 
of March rated 3% very poor, 11% poor, 34% fair, 46% good, and 6% excellent. 
Statewide temperatures averaged 35.0 degrees, 4.2 degrees below normal for 
the month of March. Statewide average precipitation was 2.33 inches, 
0.17 inch below normal. The month of March started off frigid, with the first 
week seeing temperatures well below average, before warming up slightly for 
the remaining weeks. While the State saw slightly below average precipitation 
for the month, the cold temperatures did little to dry out fields, and high 
soil moisture limited fieldwork in much of the State. There were reports of 
flooding in some fields, particularly in the Southern part of the State. 
Winter wheat condition remained mostly good to excellent, with most damage 
reports being confined to areas with extreme cold or standing water. 
Livestock were reported to be doing well, despite muddy conditions in some 
feedlots. Some farmers were able to spread fertilizer and top-dress wheat 
where fields remained frozen. Other activities for the month included hauling 
corn and soybeans to market, installing drainage tile, preparing equipment 
for the growing season, and visiting USDA-Farm Service Agency offices to 
certify production for the 2018 Market Facilitation Program.
IOWA:     Recent snow melt and rain during the month of March caused flooding 
and standing water in fields throughout the State of Iowa. Almost all the 
snow has melted except for piles and drifts. Grain movement has been 
restricted due to soft gravel roads. There were a few reports of producers 
being able to apply manure and anhydrous before field conditions got too wet. 
Most producers are still waiting for soil conditions to dry out before 
entering their fields. Livestock producers have been busy with calving. 
However, the mud has created challenges, and cold to warm temperature 
fluctuations caused higher death loss than normal. Feedlots in the open have 
also struggled dealing with the mud. There were reports of cattle losing 
weight causing producers to supplement larger rations. Hay supplies are 
running short as pastures show little to no growth yet this season.
KANSAS:     For the week ending March 24, 2019, days suitable for fieldwork 
were 2.3 days. Topsoil moisture was 0% very short, 1% short, 64% adequate, 
and 35% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 0% very short, 1% short, 72% adequate, 
and 27% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 
37% fair, 45% good, and 7% excellent.
KENTUCKY:     For the month of March, Kentucky saw below normal temperatures 
and precipitation. After February was uncharacteristically wet, March offered 
some drier weather. Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across 
the State which was 4 degrees cooler than normal. Precipitation (liq. equ.) 
for the period totaled 2.38 inches Statewide which was 1.04 inches below 
normal and 70% of normal. The State experienced a very wet fall and winter 
which has given way to drier conditions entering the spring. The majority of 
farmers are still contending with slowly drying soil presenting a hindrance 
to fieldwork and planting preparation. The persistent precipitation and heavy 
downpours during February caused flooding and erosion in pockets of the 
State. Although March has been much more favorable weather wise, in many 
instances the damage was done. Farmers sprayed fields and spread fertilizer 
where conditions allowed. Pasture ground was damaged due to the excessive 
rain last month leading to increased stress and death loss for cattle. For 
the month of March, livestock conditions were reported as 7% very poor, 
19% poor, 34% fair, 36% good, and 4% excellent. Hay supply has remained 
mostly short with some farmers reporting poor quality as well. The shortage 
has caused an increase in prices creating further stress. Some cattle 
producers have turned to alternative mixtures to meet the nutritional needs 
of their animals. A few producers have even had to liquidate their herds due 
to pasture condition coupled with high hay prices. For the month of March, 
hay and roughage supplies were reported as 25% very short, 47% short, 
26% adequate, and 2% surplus. Winter wheat remains in mostly good condition 
at this time. For the month of March, winter wheat conditions were rated as 
2% very poor, 13% poor, 32% fair, 42% good, and 11% excellent.
LOUISIANA:     Like February, the first part of March was wet and cool but 
the last half of the month welcomed some warmer drier conditions in some 
parts of the State. Sunshine and windy conditions set up for better 
conditions for fieldwork. Producers took advantage of the respite by catching 
up on corn and rice plantings. Rain was still an issue and other parts of the 
State leading to aerial applications of burn-down and rice water seeding. 
While still causing wet conditions, the State rainfall was down 1.28 inches 
with an average of 2.5 inches over the past four weeks, with the 
North Central, South Central, and Southeast districts receiving the most 
precipitation. Average temperatures for the month were in the mid-fifties, 
slightly down from the annual average. Most crops, including vegetables and 
fruits, seemed to be recovering from the early spring frosts. Crawfish 
producers struggled early in the month but will improve with more consistent 
temperatures. Hay stocks were exhausted affecting some livestock but spring 
pastures were beginning to green. Some producers were using rye to feed.
MARYLAND:     The month of March saw a period of favorable ground conditions, 
allowing for progression in fieldwork across the State. Fieldwork activities 
included repairing fall ruts, planting of spring forage crops (including 
grass, alfalfa, and oats), top dressing/N-application on small grains, and 
spreading lime and poultry litter. Winter wheat has been greening. Farmers 
will continue to monitor fruit crops for damage caused by extreme temperature 
fluctuations over the winter months. The end of March brought more than 
2.0 inches of rain for much of the reporting region, resulting in a return to 
saturation and some laying water. Vegetable producers will be planting peas 
when field conditions allow for it.
MICHIGAN:     For the month of March, topsoil moisture was 1% short, 
37% adequate, and 62% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 0% very short, 2% short, 
58% adequate, and 40% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 6% very poor, 
25% poor, 33% fair, 26% good, and 10% excellent. Precipitation for the month 
of March averaged 1.56 inches throughout the State, 0.10 inches below normal. 
Temperature for the month of March averaged 25.6 degrees, 3.9 degrees below 
normal. Most areas in the State experienced fluctuating temperatures and 
moderate levels of precipitation throughout the month, and counties in the 
Upper Peninsula reported having high levels of snow currently on the ground. 
However, in the Lower Peninsula warmer temperatures melted most of the snow 
resulting in flooding and standing water in certain fields. The large amount 
of precipitation had a negative effect on winter wheat conditions, due to 
many fields being underwater and then frozen at some point. Livestock were 
reported to be doing well, and there were reports of some producers finishing 
up lambing. The maple syrup harvest was also reported to be going well. Fruit 
growers began pruning their trees, and some reported concerns about possible 
freeze damage. Other activities included early nitrogen and manure 
applications where weather permitted.
MINNESOTA:     March started off with colder than normal temperatures 
throughout the State, followed by more seasonal temperatures as the month 
continued. Snow cover remains over much of the State, although melting 
resulted in reports of standing water in fields and localized flooding. Some 
producers were looking for additional hay due to short hay supplies. 
Livestock producers continued calving and lambing activities, with mixed 
reports of good calving conditions or struggles depending on the area. 
Livestock conditions have been harsher than normal this winter with some 
losses due to severe cold and structure failures. Reports of collapsed roofs 
on barns and other structures came in from across the State.
MISSISSIPPI:     The beginning of March brought more rain for the State. This 
left producers in many areas unable to get land prepped for early season 
crops and caused delays in fieldwork. Many livestock producers experienced 
difficulty with fertilizing, seeding, and pasture management practices. 
Livestock and pasture conditions suffered due to saturated soils, cattle 
bogging, and limited grazing. Mid-March brought drier and warmer weather that 
allowed more fieldwork. Some producers' were able to take advantage of the 
drying conditions and start getting in fields for burn-down applications and 
planting. Although the month had a late start, producers' are hopeful for 
more conditions conducive to fieldwork.
MISSOURI:     For the week ending March 24, 2019. Topsoil moisture was rated 
55% adequate and 45% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1% short, 
62% adequate and 37% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies were rated 32% very 
short, 35% short, and 33% adequate. Stock water supplies were rated 
87% adequate and 13% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 2% very poor, 
11% poor, 57% fair, 28% good, and 2% excellent. Conditions overall for the 
month were cold with the State averaging 2.57 inches of precipitation for the 
month, only 0.07 inches above average. Temperatures for the month averaged 
37.9 degrees for the State, 5.7 degrees below normal. Some areas reported 
river flooding.
MONTANA:     Topsoil moisture for the month of March was 1% very short, 
5% short, 75% adequate, and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month was 
1% very short, 12% short, 80% adequate, and 7% surplus. For the month of 
March, winter wheat - wind damage was 56% none 11% light, 32% moderate, and 
1% heavy. Winter wheat - freeze and drought damage 31% none, 19% light, 
47% moderate, and 3% heavy for the month. Winter wheat - protectiveness of 
snow cover for the month was 8% very poor, 11% poor, 16% fair, 34% good, and 
31% excellent. Livestock grazing accessibility for the month of March 
was - 33% open, 25% difficult, and 42% closed. Livestock receiving 
supplemental feed for the month was as follows - cattle and calves 95% fed, 
98% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - sheep and lambs 
97% fed, 100% last year. Warmer temperatures and snow melt were widespread 
throughout Montana for the month of March, according to the Mountain Regional 
Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Topsoil 
moisture conditions were 94 percent adequate to surplus which is above last 
year's 86 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 87 percent adequate to 
surplus which is above last year's 68 percent. Reporters throughout the State 
welcomed warmer temperatures, but that was accompanied by large amounts of 
snow melt. Eastern and Central areas of the State experienced flooding, 
however, much of the soil remains frozen, contributing to massive run off and 
standing water in fields. Winter freeze and wind damage to winter wheat 
remains high with 69 percent of reporters observing freeze and drought 
damage, and 44 percent reporting wind damage. Winter wheat snow coverage for 
the state is rated 65 percent good to excellent, which aligns with the 
previous year. Winter wheat condition is rated 62 percent good to excellent, 
compared with 65 percent last year. Grazing accessibility was limited with 
42 percent of grazing lands reported as inaccessible or closed, and 
25 percent rated as difficult. Livestock producers are providing supplemental 
feed at a slightly lower rate than the previous year, with 95 percent of 
cattle being fed, compared to 98 percent at this time last year, and 
97 percent of sheep being fed, compared to 100 percent at this time last 
year.
NEBRASKA:     For the month of March 2019, topsoil moisture was rated 0% very 
short, 2% short, 47% adequate, and 51% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 
0% very short, 4% short, 62% adequate, and 34% surplus. Winter wheat 
condition was rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 34% fair, 53% good, and 
8% excellent.
NEVADA:     All estimates are for week ending March 24, 2019.Topsoil moisture 
was rated 5% adequate and 95% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 5% adequate 
and 95% surplus. Pasture and range condition was rated 5% poor, 30% fair, 
60% good, and 5% excellent. In Reno, precipitation and snowfall for the month 
were 1.01 and 0.4 inches, respectively. Temperatures were below average with 
temperatures returning to normal near the end of the month. Early planted hay 
and small grains began to emerge. Spring calving was ongoing.
NEW ENGLAND:     New England weather had been relatively mild without 
excessive temperatures or snowfall. During the month of March the region 
experienced average snowfall but later than normal. Most areas of the region 
reported snow covered fields. With the ground still frozen and packed with 
snow in the fields, no one had been out preparing for planting. Farmers were 
anxiously awaiting fields to be free of frost and dried out to begin field 
activities. Maple harvest was underway with sap off to a slow flow because of 
cold weather and snowpack. Fruit growers continued pruning fruit trees and 
were watching weather carefully for any signs of early bud break. The 
cranberry crop was still in the dormant phase and growers were preparing for 
the frost. Operators with greenhouse and high tunnel had begun seeding 
vegetables for transplant.
NEW JERSEY:     For the month of March, field work on soil preparation for 
spring planting was active in some parts of the State, soil amendments to dry 
like fields were seen. Weather condition continued its regular pattern for 
the season, including wind, cold, and rain leaving some areas in muddy 
conditions. Orchard fruits and woody ornamental buds began to swell due to 
35 to 50 F temperatures. Field work activity included fertilizer 
applications, pruning, and machine maintenance.
NEW MEXICO:     This report for New Mexico is for the entire month of 
March 2019. Topsoil moisture 12% very short, 52% short, 34% adequate, 
2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 31% very short, 37% short, 31% adequate, 
1% surplus. Alfalfa hay condition 3% poor, 63% fair, 33% good, 1% excellent. 
Winter wheat condition 5% very poor, 44% poor, 26% fair, 22% good, 
3% excellent. Chile planted 5% complete, 16% last year. Onions planted 
21% complete, 52% last year; emerged 5% complete. Cows calved 29% complete, 
14% last month, 25% last year. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 85%, 
90% last month, 91% last year. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 18% poor, 
52% fair, 23% good, 6% excellent. Ewes lambed 18% complete, 9% last month, 
25% last year. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 71%, 78% last month, 
78% last year. Sheep and lamb condition 16% poor, 57% fair, 27% good. Hay and 
roughage supplies 27% very short, 32% short, 40% adequate, 1% surplus. Stock 
water supplies 17% very short, 26% short, 56% adequate, 1% surplus. Average 
temperatures coupled with average to above-average precipitation in many 
locations led to a boost in soil moisture levels and winter wheat condition. 
Cool season grasses were becoming more prevalent which allowed ranchers to 
decrease the amount of supplemental feed being given to their herds. The 
increased moisture prompted many farmers to begin their spring fieldwork in 
preparation for row crop planting. Comments from Dona Ana County indicated 
that the lettuce crop planted during January was in excellent condition, with 
head sizes as large as a baseball. In addition, fall-planted onions were also 
in excellent condition. Reports from Union County indicated that recent rain 
and snow showers benefitted most dryland wheat that had been previously noted 
in very poor condition due to heavy grazing pressure. The United States 
Drought Monitor released on March 21 noted that exceptional drought (D4) was 
not present in the State for the first time since April 3, 2018. Severe to 
extreme drought (D2-D3) was reportedly covering 26.3 percent of the State, 
with 18.2 percent and 8.1 percent categorized as D2 and D3, respectively. 
This was a decline of 4.9 percent from last month. Overall, conditions rated 
abnormally dry or worse remained evident across 63.7 percent of the State.
NEW YORK:     A few counties continued to experience some below average 
temperatures and receive periods of snow and rain mixes, creating muddy 
conditions. Operators; looking forward to warmer spring weather, spread 
manure but few were able to do any tillage. Winter wheat and hay seemed to 
progress through the month well. Colder night temperatures allowed some maple 
syrup producers to start early but was short lived in some areas as weather 
was seasonal with some warmer days. Long Island vineyards and orchards 
throughout the state pruned and tied down fruiting wire.
NORTH CAROLINA:     For the week ending March 24, topsoil moisture was 
1% short, 59% adequate and 40% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 58% adequate and 
42% surplus. Barley condition was 3% poor, 34% fair, 62% good, and 
1% excellent. Oats condition was 1% very poor, 7% poor, 41% fair, 47%  good, 
and 4%  excellent. Winter wheat condition was 7% very poor, 13% poor, 
27% fair, 41% good, and 12% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies were 4% very 
short, 28% short, 66% adequate, and 2% surplus. Pasture and range condition 
was 3% very poor, 16% poor, 45% fair, 34%  good, and 2% excellent. For the 
month of March, light rain and cooler temperatures slowed the growth of fall 
crops, pastures and hayfields. Some drier weather for the month was a welcome 
sight for most producers. In some areas of the State, soil conditions had 
dried sufficiently to allow some field preparations. Pastures were greening 
up nicely with warmer temperatures. The warmer weather was of some concern 
for fruit crops as buds are starting to swell and some fruit trees are 
starting to put out. Soil moisture had finally come down to average wet from 
saturated this past week. Winter was wet and warm. Wheat had been top-dressed 
and was looking good considering the wet winter we had. Tobacco greenhouses 
started to be clipped for the first time this week. Temperatures were near 
average with frost/freeze in am and near 60 in afternoons. Good working 
conditions existed on farms.
NORTH DAKOTA:     For the month of March 2019, topsoil moisture rated 2% very 
short, 6% short, 76% adequate, and 16% surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 
4% very short, 14% short, 72% adequate, and 10% surplus. Winter wheat 
condition, 1% very poor, 4% poor, 19% fair, 74% good, and 2% excellent. 
Cattle and calf conditions, 1% very poor, 5% poor, 23% fair, 67% good, and 
4% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss, 7% heavy, 67% average, and 
26% light. Calving progress was at 25%. Sheep and lamb conditions, 1% very 
poor, 3% poor, 38% fair, 53% good, and 5% excellent. Sheep and lamb death 
loss, 7% heavy, 70% average, and 23% light. Lambing progress was at 46%. Hay 
and roughage supplies, 6% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, and 
7% surplus. Stock water supplies, 4% very short, 5% short, 78% adequate, and 
13% surplus.
OHIO:     Topsoil moisture for the month was 38% adequate and 62% surplus. 
Subsoil moisture for the month was 39% adequate and 61% surplus. Winter wheat 
condition for the month was rated 6% very poor, 22% poor, 41% fair, 29% good, 
and 2% excellent. The preliminary March 2019 Statewide average temperature 
was 34.4 degrees, 3.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 
1.99 inches Statewide, which was 0.33 inches below normal for the month of 
March. The beginning of the month was much cooler than normal and slightly 
less wet than normal. There was a brief period of warmer than usual 
temperatures during the middle of the month while the State received less 
snow and rain than normal during that timeframe. The temperature at the end 
of the month was cooler than usual. The ground was still saturated for much 
of March despite lower than normal amounts of rainfall for the month. Wet 
fields slowed fieldwork like tilling and manure applications. Spring lambing 
and calving were on schedule, although wet conditions put producers behind 
schedule for activities like cleaning out barns and manure pits.
OKLAHOMA:     March started with some of the coldest temperatures of the 
season along with ice and snow. Planting for the 2019 crop year was slowed by 
the amount of precipitation in the soil as well as strong winds. Winter wheat 
and rye were both behind the five year average while canola remained steady, 
but oats were progressing well. Livestock and pasture conditions were rated 
good to fair and the Drought Monitor shows less than one percent of the State 
is abnormally dry.
OREGON:     Oregon exited the winter months with good snowpack and snow water 
equivalent well above average. Many watersheds in the Eastern part of the 
State were 130% (or greater) of normal. For the drought stricken areas of 
Klamath, Lake and Harney Counties, this was great news going forward in crop 
year 2019. Thanks to cool night-time temperatures, there were no reports of 
flooding Statewide. The snow cover stayed on the ground for much of March. In 
the North Central and North Eastern regions of the State, almost all spring 
planting was late. Producers rushed to get spring work completed. Although 
the water outlook was good for the spring crops, the lateness of planting 
spring grains was a concern for some producers. Winter canola crop looked 
excellent. Sherman County anticipated that it still might take a few weeks 
before producers could get equipment into some fields. Cattle producers were 
also impacted. Many livestock producers purchased extra hay. More calving 
loss was observed due to the winter storms that brought frigid temperatures 
and high winds. Much of the Northern coastal regions observed heavy snow in 
early March followed by a warm-up near the end of the month. The unexpected 
snow impacted some of the orchard crops. Broken limbs was the main issue. 
Most producers had finished pruning. Older orchards had the most damage. 
Since most grass seed and wheat fields had already received the first 
application of fertilizer, several producers were uncertain how much of the 
application would be utilized due to heavy moisture. Like much of the rest of 
the State, spring crops were late in planting. In South Central and 
Southeastern Oregon, it was still early to assess pasture and range 
condition, with much of the region still covered in snow. Planting progress 
was spotty for all crops. Some Lake County livestock producers reported 
higher than normal calving death losses due to winter weather. In the 
Southern part of Klamath County, pasture conditions looked good. Fields were 
prepped for planting. In the Northern part of the county, there was still a 
lot of snow on the ground.
PENNSYLVANIA:     Temperatures for March ranged from a high of 64(F) degrees 
to a low of 3(F) degrees. Average daily precipitation was reported as 
0.12 inches with average snowfall for the month of reported as 10.4 inches. 
March began with a mix of wintery conditions followed by increasingly warmer 
weather. Snows have dissipated and temperatures have increased as the month 
progressed but reports of wet fields and, in some cases, flooding have 
prevented a complete return to field activates. As conditions slowly dry 
operators have again approached their fields in order to prepare for spring 
planting. Field activity varied throughout the State but included alfalfa 
seeding, tree pruning, manure spreading and rock removal.
SOUTH CAROLINA:     March temperatures were generally on par with historical 
averages. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 0.6 inch in multiple 
locations to 5.1 inches in Oconee County. According to the U.S. Drought 
Monitor, 28.9 percent of the State had abnormally dry conditions by month's 
end, up 3.2 percent from month's beginning. Additionally, 2.4 percent of the 
State entered into moderate drought conditions in March. The dry conditions 
were primarily confined to the coastline and the southernmost counties. 
Despite dry soil conditions in these counties, vegetables and strawberries 
were in good condition overall. Producers harvested a variety of vegetables. 
Strawberry harvesting was in full swing by the month's end. Rain delayed 
fieldwork in inland counties for much of the month, but drier conditions by 
month's end allowed for field preparations and some corn planting. Hay and 
pasture fields greened up once weather and soil conditions became favorable. 
Peach trees were in good condition and in full bloom. Minimal cold damage is 
expected for this year's crop. Tobacco planting is expected to begin on 
schedule in the next couple of weeks.
SOUTH DAKOTA:     The following conditions were reported for the month of 
March, topsoil moisture was rated 0% very short, 1% short, 62% adequate, and 
37% surplus. Subsoil was rated moisture was 0% very short, 3% short, 
76% adequate, and 21% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 0% very poor, 
3% poor, 53% fair, 43% good, and 1% excellent.
TENNESSEE:     The week ending March 24, 2019, topsoil moisture 2% short, 
63% adequate, 35% surplus. Subsoil moisture 57% adequate, 43% surplus. Winter 
wheat condition 1% very poor, 8% poor, 41% fair, 41% good, 9% excellent. 
Pasture and Range condition 3% very poor, 21% poor, 38% fair, 34% good, 
4% excellent. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 5% poor, 32% fair, 53% good, 
9% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 14% very short, 27% short, 
51% adequate, 8% surplus. A week of drier weather in Tennessee has helped 
producers. Fields are drying out and producers are starting to prepare their 
fields for the upcoming growing season. Pasture and range condition is mostly 
poor to fair. Cattle condition is mostly fair to good. Hay and roughage 
supplies were mostly short to adequate.
TEXAS:     Throughout the month of March, Texas experienced a wide range of 
temperatures with little to no rainfall in some areas. The month started out 
warm and dry, but then turned cold for most of the month, with some rainfall 
between Edwards Plateau and North East Texas. Overall, the cold windy weather 
slowed small grains progress in the Northern districts, while winter wheat 
suffered from the lack of moisture in many Southern districts. Corn, sorghum 
and cotton planting was underway in the beginning of the month continued 
slightly behind the normal pace throughout the month. Fruit and vegetable 
producers were continuing their harvest of spinach, cabbage and sugarcane, 
while fruit trees were blooming in the West. Some damages too fruits and 
vegetables due to the freezing temperatures was still being assessed across 
the State. Range and pasture condition remained constant throughout much of 
the State. However, some cattle producers were considering downsizing herds, 
while the use of supplemental feeding increased. Livestock conditions were 
mostly fair to good Statewide.
UTAH:     This report for Utah is for the entire month of March 2019. Topsoil 
moisture 50 % adequate and 50 % surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% short, 
77% adequate, 22% surplus. Pasture and range condition 12% very poor, 
14% poor, 29% fair, 31% good, 14% excellent. Winter wheat condition 9 % poor, 
28% fair, 56% good, 7% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 9% very short, 
31% short, 53% adequate, 7% surplus. Stock water supplies 7% short, 
92% adequate, 1% surplus. Barley planted 1% compared with 8% last year Cattle 
and calves condition 7% poor, 28% fair, 65% good. Sheep and lambs condition 
6% poor, 26% fair, 68% good. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 
89% compared with 82% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for 
sheep 68% compared to 66% last year. Cows calved 41% compared to 40% last 
year. Ewes lambed-farm flock 44% compared to 36% last year. Ewes lambed-range 
flock 7%, 5% last year. Utah saw some moisture over the last few weeks, and 
snowpack levels remain well above normal, according to the Mountain Regional 
Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Topsoil 
moisture level conditions rated surplus rose from 9 percent to 50 percent, 
with the moisture received. Barley planting progress is currently at 
1 percent, slightly behind last year. Good condition ratings for cattle and 
calves fell from 76 percent to 65 percent and sheep and lambs from 74 percent 
to 68 percent. The percentage of cattle and calves receiving supplemental 
feed is 89 percent, compared to 82 percent from a year ago. Box Elder County 
reports good moisture over the last month, with excellent snowpack in the 
mountains. Wasatch County reports good snow cover. Uintah County reports beef 
producers have lost a high percentage of their calves due to deep snow. 
Beaver County reports lots of sick young calves with the wet, cold weather. 
Hay and roughage supplies were rated 9 percent very short, 31 percent short, 
53 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Stock water supplies were rated 
7 percent short, 92 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
VIRGINIA:     For week ending March 24, 2019, days suitable for fieldwork 
were 3.9 days. Topsoil moisture 1% short, 53% adequate, 46% surplus. Subsoil 
moisture 55% adequate, 45% surplus. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 
8% poor, 41% fair, 45% good, 5% excellent. Barley condition 2% very poor, 
9% poor, 45% fair, 42% good, 2% excellent. Livestock condition 2% very poor, 
9% poor, 39% fair, 44% good, 6% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 
10% very poor, 32% poor, 38% fair, 19% good, 1% excellent. Hay supplies 
4% very short, 26% short, 67% adequate, 3% surplus. Percent of feed obtained 
from pastures 11%. Virginia experienced above normal precipitation and below 
normal temperatures in March. Persistent rainy conditions this winter and 
spring have resulted in significant damage to some pastures and feeding areas 
and caused delays in field work. Some producers that were able to react 
quickly between rain events have been able to get equipment out for field 
preparation. A few areas of the State are finally starting to experience some 
drier weather, however. Hay and roughage supplies were mostly short to 
adequate. Farming activities for the month included lime, fertilizer, manure, 
and burn down herbicide applications when the weather permitted.
WASHINGTON:     Snowy days gave way to warmer conditions and melting snow in 
much of Washington. Fields in Western Washington started to dry out and field 
work started. Most fall planted crops around the Puget Sound survived the 
winter in good condition while spring crops had not yet been planted. Grass 
was green and growing. Vegetable growers were tilling fields and getting 
ready for spring planting. The warm weather was favorable for lambs and 
calves. Livestock were still on stored feed and soil temperatures were low on 
the Peninsula. Southwestern Washington was unseasonably warm and dry. Many 
ditches and wet spots dried out. There were three field fires in Lewis County 
and another three field fires in Grays Harbor County. Several apiaries in 
Cowlitz, Clark, and Skamania Counties reported colony collapse up to 70% of 
total hives. Fall planted triticale was in good condition. Raspberries in 
Whatcom County had some crop damage due to freezing temperatures in February, 
but the extent of damage was unknown until warmer temperatures occur. 
Greenhouse starts and tulips were the first crops for farmers market in 
Jefferson County. Most CSA operations started seed flats and hardy early 
spring vegetables were planted in high-tunnels. Skagit County was 
extraordinarily warm and dry. Propagation houses in Snohomish County were 
crammed with starts waiting for suitable field conditions to transplant. Most 
pastures in the county recovered from the heavy snow cover. Warmer 
temperatures in Benton and Franklin Counties led to quick snow melts. Early 
vegetable plantings were delayed one month. Cropland in Chelan and Douglas 
Counties was still under snow. Calving continued, however several losses were 
reported due to harsh weather conditions. Most of the winter wheat was under 
snow cover, but some green wheat was seen around field edges. The eastern 
side of Klickitat County was dry while Klickitat Valley had snow. Pastures 
were not ready, leading ranchers to forage for more hay. There were localized 
floods in Yakima County, but no crops were impacted. Pruning and tree 
training activities were underway. Temperatures in Stevens County fluctuated 
between 60 degree days and freezing nights after a cold March. Snow melted 
throughout northeastern Washington, while wheat and fall grain crops emerged 
through the remaining snow cover. There were reports of winter kill due to 
temperature variations and loss of snow cover on hilltops. Calving issues 
were also reported due to the two winter storms in February. Winter wheat in 
Adams County was in good condition with limited damage. The Palouse was wet, 
and snow still covered the ground.
WEST VIRGINIA:     For the week ending March 24, topsoil moisture 1% short, 
80% adequate and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture 2% short, 80% adequate, and 
18% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 16% very short, 36% short, 
44% adequate, and 4% surplus. Feed grain supplies 1% very short, 3% short, 
93% adequate, and 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 16% poor, 
47% fair, and 36% good. Pasture condition 12% very poor, 31% poor, 29% fair, 
27% good, and 1% excellent. Cattle and calves condition 2% very poor, 
14% poor, 35% fair, 44% good, and 5% excellent. Calving was 66% complete. 
Sheep and lambs condition 1% very poor, 6% poor, 53% fair, 35% good, and 
5% excellent. Lambing was 70% complete. Weather conditions for the month were 
a mix of colder and warmer temperatures with snow and rain. Some producers 
are short on hay and pastures are muddy. Farming activities for the month 
included calving and lambing; cow and calf deaths have been reported.
WISCONSIN:     March temperatures to date at the five major weather stations 
were all below normal. They ranged from 2.5 degrees below normal in Green Bay 
to 8.2 degrees below normal in Eau Claire. Average highs ranged from 
38.6 degrees in Milwaukee to 32.5 degrees in Eau Claire, while average lows 
ranged from 10.7 degrees in Eau Claire to 23.6 degrees in Milwaukee. 
Precipitation ranged from 0.88 inches in Madison to 1.86 inches in 
Eau Claire. The entire State experienced a cold snap on March 3rd, 4th, and 
5th, with record low temperatures in many areas. Snow melt and additional 
precipitation led to reports of flooding and standing water. Farmers have 
begun applying manure and fertilizer as field conditions allow. Some 
reporters expressed concern about possible weather damage to winter wheat and 
alfalfa, while many felt it was too early to determine the condition of those 
crops. Maple trees have been tapped, and the sap is running. Calving was 
reported in Southern Wisconsin.
WYOMING:     This report is for the entire month of March 2019. Topsoil 
moisture 11% short, 69% adequate, 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture 
19% short, 70% adequate, 11 percent surplus. Barley planted 2%, 2018 1%. 
Winter wheat condition 3% very poor, 16% poor, 25% fair, 52% good, 
4% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 15% very short, 22% short, 
62% adequate, 1% surplus. Livestock condition 3 percent very poor, 4% poor, 
27% fair, 64% good, 2% excellent. Stock water supplies 11% short, 
69% adequate, 20% surplus. Pasture and range condition 1% very poor, 
10% poor, 53% fair, 36% good. Cows calved 24% compared to 21% in 2018. Ewes 
lambed 18% compared to 17% in 2018. Sheep shorn 29% compared with 30% in 
2018. Winter wheat condition is mostly good to fair and pasture and range is 
rated mostly fair to good. Temperatures were below normal for most of the 
State and moisture levels have improved from last year.

Statistical Methodology

Survey Procedures: Crop progress and condition estimates included in this 
report are based on survey data collected in December, January, February, and 
March. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input 
from approximately 4,000 respondents whose occupations provide them 
opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in 
contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these 
respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various 
stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They 
also provide subjective evaluations of crop and soil moisture conditions. Any 
weather data mentioned in this report is provided by outside sources such as 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Agricultural 
Weather Information Service (AWIS).

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service to contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to 
nass@nass.usda.gov

Lance Honig, Chief, Crops Branch................................................ (202) 720-2127

Travis Thorson, Head, Field Crops Section   (202) 720-2127
     David Colwell - Current Agricultural Industrial Reports   (202) 720-3338
     Chris Hawthorn- Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet   (202) 720-9526
     James Johanson - County Estimates, Hay   (202) 690-8533
     Jeff Lemmons - Oats, Soybeans   (202) 690-3234
     Jannety Mosley - Crop Weather, Barley   (202) 720-7621
     Sammy Neal - Peanuts, Rice................................................. (202) 720-7688
     Jean Porter - Rye, Wheat   (202) 720-8068
Chris Singh - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum   (202) 720-5944
     Travis Thorson - Sunflower, Other Oilseeds................................. (202) 720-7369

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