Crop Progress - State Stories ISSN: 2470-9816 Released March 29, 2016, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ALABAMA: Temperatures were average to a few degrees above average for most of the State. Precipitation was also slightly above average for this time of the year with some reports of significant rainfall. A few farmers have already started planting corn, but the majority will hold off until the first week of April due to wet conditions. Topsoil and subsoil moisture was adequate to surplus. For the most part, wheat, pasture, and hay land were in good condition. Precipitation estimates for the month ranged from 2.62 inches in Auburn to 10.11 inches in Mobile. Average mean temperatures for the month ranged from 55°F in Decatur to 63°F in Mobile. ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE ARIZONA: Temperatures across the State were mostly above normal for the month of March. The temperatures for March were in the upper 90s in several parts of the State and a low of 12°F at Window Rock. No precipitation reported for the last 2 weeks of March from the 50 reporting stations. Cotton planting was under way in March. Alfalfa harvesting was active on about three-fourths of the alfalfa acreage. Vegetable and citrus harvesting activities continued throughout the month. ARKANSAS: Throughout March temperatures were above the normal range and participation was also well above normal for the month .Weather patterns of warmer than normal temperatures have energized an early spring pattern of growth. However, rain during the last week slowed row crop progress. Planting of corn and rice has begun. Wheat is beginning to get a growth spurt. Soil temperatures still below optimum for planting crops. Livestock producers continue to feed hay and/or utilize winter grazing pastures. CALIFORNIA: Temperatures averaged 2 to 4°F above normal in the north and central portions of the State and 4 to 8°F above normal in the southern region during the week. Most of the precipitation occurred early in the week and over the northern parts of the State. Some winter forage crops were starting to be harvested and groundwork continued for spring plantings. Winter wheat continued to mature. Alfalfa growth was good and some fields were cut and baled. In Colusa County, safflower, sunflower, and corn were planted. In Sutter County, orchard maintenance continued but was hampered by the weather. Application of bloom sprays continued in anticipation of additional rain. Navel and Valencia oranges and tangerines continued to be harvested. Navel oranges and kiwifruit were packed and shipped. In Colusa County, dry weather conditions allowed resumption of tomato planting. In Fresno County, processing tomatoes were planted, cultivated, irrigated, and fertilized. Earlier planted fields looked good. In Tulare County, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts were harvested and sold at farmer's markets. In Sutter County, pastures and rangeland continued to improve. In Tulare County, warmer weather continued to increase rangeland forage growth, thus reducing the need for supplemental feed. Some beehives remained in prune orchards. COLORADO: Snow and rain were received in abundance, reducing field activity and improving moisture conditions. Precipitation in the north eastern district replenished moisture stressed wheat crops. However, areas in the eastern and south eastern districts remained relatively dry, where wheat quality concerns persisted in certain localities. Several cases of stripe rust were reported between the eastern and southeastern districts. Stored feed supplies were rated 6% short, 76% adequate, and 18% surplus. Sheep death loss was 58% average and 42% light. Cattle death loss was 1% heavy, 77% average, and 22% light. DELAWARE: Overall, the month of March started a snowy, cold, breezy, rainy, and foggy pattern on most part of the region. There were 15 episodes of precipitation with maximum of 0.56 of an inch of rain for a single day. Maryland registered maximum temperatures reaching 82°F and minimum temperature reaching 22°F. Delaware reported maximum temperatures reaching 81°F, and minimum reaching 24°F. Generally pastures were greening up, and cool season weeds were starting the process of growing. Some reporters indicated farmers were able to do their first fertilizer application on corn ground as well as small grains. Winter wheat greening up while other area presented muddy conditions. Some comments stated "farmers were top dressing small grain, spreading manure and fertilizer. Other doing some early disking and ground working. Most farmers reported decent field conditions - not too wet - not too dry and no major livestock concerns came to light. FLORIDA: Field work and soil preparation for spring plantings was active in Panhandle area. Flagler, Putnam county farmers started harvesting cabbage. By mid-month, farmers in Washington, Madison, and Suwannee counties began planting corn. Sugarcane harvest continued in Highlands, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Glades, and Hendry counties. Potato planting was complete in Flagler and Putnam counties. Green beans, pole beans, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, boniato, malanga, strawberries, bitter melon, and herbs were harvested in Miami-Dade County. Cold weather and dry conditions in some north Florida locations delayed growth of grass in pastures. Cattle were provided supplemental feed due to lack of forage crops. Ranchers fertilized pastures to revitalize them. By mid-month, warmer weather and longer days boosted pasture growth in Panhandle, north, and central Florida. Southwest Florida pasture quality declined due to dry soil conditions. In citrus growing counties, warm, dry conditions existed at the start of March. Processing plants finished with early and midseason oranges, began running grapefruit or transitioning to late orange harvesting. Valencia harvest lagging behind last season due to low maturity levels. Honey tangerines, colored grapefruit, white grapefruit, midseason oranges, Temples, and Valencias were going fresh. Early, mid-season orange harvest was complete. Grove activities included fertilizing, irrigating, some hedging and topping of trees after harvest, applying of herbicide, and removing brush. Citrus trees were in full bloom, petal drop began, and small pea size fruit was apparent on early variety citrus trees. GEORGIA: Precipitation totals for the month ranged from 1.3 inches in the southeastern region to 6.2 inches in the southcentral region near Valdosta. The majority of the State received 2 inches less rain than normal for March, allowing time for fields to dry from the previous months' excess rain. Overall, soil moisture was adequate to slightly short, making for easy field work, such as tilling, fertilizing, and adding weed control and lime applications. Cool-season forages and small grains recovered quickly from January and February rains and made good progress in March. Livestock producers were able to cut back on supplemental feeding. Cattle condition was fair to good. An unseasonably warm winter created concern over insect and disease pressure. Warmer than normal soil temperatures allowed for an early planting season. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and tobacco transplanting began. Corn planting was well underway. Fruit trees were in bloom. Highbush Blueberries were almost done blooming and were setting fruit. Rabbiteye Blueberries were beginning to bloom. Onions were progressing well and in good condition. HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE IDAHO: March brought mild weather to the State with daytime highs in the 70s and average temperatures ranging from 1 to 7°F Fahrenheit above normal. There was plenty of moisture throughout the month in the form of snowfall and rain. Snow was either not sticking, melting, or completely gone in many areas. However snow still covered the fields in some parts of the south central region. In the southwest, field prep was moving along quickly. Ada County reported that topsoil moisture was dry enough to work fields, but wet enough to maintain crops. Winter wheat was looking good. Calving was going well and approximately 65% complete in the south west. The fields in the south east were beginning to break dormancy and spring plants were starting to emerge. Local livestock was in good condition. The Jefferson and Madison County area was on the lookout for barley yellow dwarf disease in the fields. Significant rain in the south central region slowed spring cereal planting. Winter wheat looked good in the area. Blaine and Jerome counties reported issues with damage from voles for some producers. Jerome County reported that pastures and ranges were just starting to green up and grow. There were no other reports of adverse crop or livestock conditions for the month. ILLINOIS: Topsoil moisture 4% short, 77% adequate, 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture 3% short, 87% adequate, 10% surplus. Winter wheat condition 5% poor, 28% fair, 50% good, 17% excellent. Statewide, temperatures for the month of March averaged 46.1°F, 5.9°F above normal. Precipitation averaged 2.33 inches, 0.26 inches below normal. Preparation for spring planting is in full swing across Illinois, with operators applying fertilizer and performing spring fieldwork. INDIANA: Topsoil moisture 2% short, 70% adequate, 28% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 7% short, 73% adequate, 19% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 1% very poor, 2% poor, 18% fair, 61% good, 18% excellent. Temperatures for the month averaged 46.8°F, 7.0°F above normal. Statewide average precipitation was 3.40 inches, 0.63 inches above normal. A mild winter season came to wet close by the end of March, with an unexpected snow storm at the beginning of the month followed by heavy rains towards the end of the month. The above average precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures brought much of the winter wheat crop out of dormancy. Despite some reports of burnt tips on wheat, farmers have reported an improvement in the color and have begun to topdress the crop with nitrogen. Pastures were beginning to green up with the spring conditions and there seems to be adequate hay supplies and forage for livestock coming out of winter. Spring calving is well underway for most of the State. Spring rains have saturated soils and have led to localized flooding in low lying areas, limiting early fieldwork activities for farmers. When conditions have permitted, farmers have been applying fertilizer to fields, spraying herbicides on cover crops, replacing drain tile, burning ditch banks and fencerows, tilling fields, hauling grain, and signing up for FSA farm programs. IOWA: Topsoil moisture 0% very short, 2% short, 80% adequate, and 18% surplus. Iowa experienced above normal temperatures for the month of March. Frequent showers and snow the last week of the month left fields and roads soft and muddy. Average statewide snow depth as March came to a close was 0 inches. Fieldwork activities for the month of March included dry fertilizer and anhydrous applications. Grain movement in March rated 35 percent moderate to heavy, up from the previous month but similar to the previous year. Hay and roughage supplies were 92% adequate to surplus, comparable to last year at this time. Calving is underway in many parts of the State. KANSAS: At the end of the month, topsoil moisture supplies rated 10% very short, 38% short, 51% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 8% very short, 30% short, 61% adequate, and 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 37% fair, 49% good and 1% excellent; jointing, 30%, 12% 2015, 16% avg. Corn planted 2%, 0% 2015, 0% avg. Hay and Roughage supplies were rated 0% very short, 5% short, 85% adequate, 10% surplus. Stock water supplies were rated 4% very short, 15% short, 80% adequate, and 1% surplus. Cattle and Calves condition rated 0% very poor, 2% poor, 23% fair, 69% good and 6% excellent. Cattle and Calves death loss rated 1% heavy, 59% average and 40% light. Calving progress 74% Sheep and Lambs condition rated 0% very poor, 0% poor, 29% fair, 68% good and 3% excellent. Sheep and lambs death loss rated 0% heavy, 67% average and 33% light. March temperatures averaged four to six degrees above normal. Precipitation was below normal, with most areas receiving 1-2 inches of precipitation. At the end of the month, range fires were active in parts of the State. KENTUCKY: For the month of March, the Commonwealth experienced mostly above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall. For the week ending March 27, 2016, days suitable for field work were 4.2. Topsoil moisture 3% short, 78% adequate and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 4% short, 83% adequate and 12% surplus. Wheat and canola producers remain optimistic about the crop. Some growers were spraying for weeds and applying nitrogen. Winter wheat condition 2% very poor, 3% poor, 12% fair, 63% good, and 20% excellent. A relatively mild winter has helped most producers to have adequate hay stocks on hand. Hay is still being fed where available. Hay and roughage supplies 2% very short, 14% short, 76% adequate, and 8% surplus. At the end of February, 83% of supplies were rated as adequate to surplus, compared to 84% currently. Spring calving is going well. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 2% poor, 15% fair, 69% good, and 13% excellent. Producers marketed their grain and tobacco crops and attended various commodity meetings across the State. Farmers were busy performing routine equipment maintenance in preparation for the upcoming planting season. Some producers have applied burndown applications in preparation for corn and soybean planting. LOUISIANA: The State averaged 2.37 inches of rain over the last four weeks. Corn, sorghum and rice have been planted in many areas with corn starting to emerge across the State. However, the significant rainfall at the latter part of the month has slowed down field crop plantings and some fields will need to be replanted. Wheat across the State has started to head. Producers continue spraying and harvesting strawberries. Vegetable producers have been busy preparing for spring and summer crops. Crawfish producers have reported an improvement in size of crawfish in their catches. Livestock producers were fertilizing pasture and feeding hay. MARYLAND: Overall, the month of March started a snowy, cold, breezy, rainy, and foggy pattern on most part of the region. There were 15 episodes of precipitation with maximum of 0.56 of an inch of rain for a single day. Maryland registered maximum temperatures reaching 82.0°F and minimum temperature reaching 22.0°F. Delaware reported maximum temperatures reaching 81.0°F, and minimum reaching 24.0°F. Generally pastures were greening up, and cool season weeds were starting the process of growing. Some reporters indicated farmers were able to do their first fertilizer application on corn ground as well as small grains. Winter wheat greening up while other area presented muddy conditions. Some comments stated "farmers were top dressing small grain, spreading manure and fertilizer. Other doing some early disking and ground working. Most farmers reporting decent field conditions - not too wet - not too dry and no major livestock concerns have come to light. MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture 1% short, 49% adequate, and 50% surplus. Subsoil moisture 4% short, 72% adequate, and 24% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 23% fair, 47% good, and 27% excellent. Temperatures remained above average for most of the month. Daytime high temperatures during the second week of March peaked in the 60s and 70s on multiple days. No counties were classified as either abnormally dry or in drought during March, as above average precipitation throughout the month coupled with snow melt kept topsoil and subsoil moisture levels higher than normal. The month began with a major storm which brought heavy wet snow to much of the State on March 1-2. A large portion of the Lower Peninsula received 4-8 inches of snow, but snowfall totals in the Central and Thumb regions reported receiving up to 14 inches of snow. A slow moving storm system also brought 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches of precipitation to the State on March 15-17, with some areas of the Upper Peninsula reporting 2-3 inches, much of this in the form of snow. Another storm system on March 23-24 brought rain and snow from the Central Lower Peninsula to the Eastern Upper Peninsula. As this system pushed northward, warmer air allowed the precipitation to turn to liquid, which caused some icing to occur; between a tenth-inch and a quarter- inch of ice were reported in areas around the Saginaw Valley and the Thumb, bringing concerns of damage to exposed winter wheat. By month's end, fields in the north were still snow covered while fields further south were mostly too wet to work. Winter wheat has been greening up and is starting to grow. Some fertilizer was applied to wheat fields where dry conditions existed. Maple syrup season started normally but ended early with lower than normal sap flow due to warm nights in mid-March. Fruit growers reported that with the early warmup, many perennial fruit crops were at the swollen bud and bud burst stage, and a late-season cold snap could cause some damage. Fruit growers were busy finishing up winter pruning and pushing brush out of orchards. Other activities included frost seeding of red clover in wheat, manure spreading, preparing for spring fertilizer applications, and getting equipment ready for field work. MINNESOTA: A cold and snowy start to March gave way to a period of warmer than normal temperatures. The March 1 snowstorm brought a few inches of snow to much of southern Minnesota and many communities in northern Minnesota experienced subzero temperatures. Sunshine and strong winds brought short- lived record warmth to many parts of the State on March 8, in some areas lasting just a few hours before dropping by 30°F or more. Ahead of the warm front, thunderstorms and hail were reported in northeast Minnesota. Record high temperatures were also seen March 12 and 13, with high temperatures rising into the upper 60's and 70's. A period of heavy precipitation followed, mostly as rain, but with some significant snowfall in northeastern Minnesota. A snowstorm on March 23-24 brought snowfall amounts ranging mostly from 2 to 9 inches across southern Minnesota, with 11.2 inches reported at Wabasha and 11 inches reported at Ellendale. Most of the snow melted, with little snow cover remaining by the end of the month. The preliminary statewide average temperature for the month was 7.8°F above average. The preliminary statewide average precipitation was .56 inches above normal, driven by higher than normal precipitation in the eastern portion of the State. Some areas in western and central Minnesota experienced below normal levels of precipitation. With continued warm temperatures, many areas report little to no snow cover remaining. As a result, field work has begun early in some areas this year. Reported activities include manure and fertilizer application, tillage, and readying equipment. Livestock producers have continued calving and lambing. Livestock conditions were generally described as very good. Feed supply continues to be adequate. MISSISSIPPI: Abnormal amounts of rain continued in Mississippi for the month. As flood waters subsided producers awaited for conditions to improve, but frequent rains limited most prep work. This caused saturated soil conditions and will result in most corn having to be replanted. However, livestock operators have welcomed this rain which has helped with their grazing conditions. MISSOURI: Topsoil moisture 7% very short, 13% short, 70% adequate, 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture 7% very short, 13% short, 76% adequate, 4% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 12% short, 78% adequate, 9% surplus. Stock water supplies 1% very short, 14% short, 83% adequate, 2% surplus. Winter Wheat condition 1% very poor, 4% poor, 25% fair, 62% good, 8% excellent. Corn planting has started. Some producers expressed concern about the lack of rain and dry conditions. MONTANA: Topsoil moisture 25% very short, 6% last year; 28% short, 22% last year; 47% adequate, 56% last year; 0% surplus, 16% last year. Subsoil moisture 23% very short, 6% last year; 41% short, 23% last year; 36% adequate, 48% last year; 0% surplus, 23% last year. Winter wheat - wind damage 77% none, 75% last year; 14% light, 18% last year; 8% moderate, 5% last year; 1% heavy, 2% last year. Winter wheat - freeze and drought damage 75% none, 70% last year; 16% light, 21% last year; 8% moderate, 7% last year; 1% heavy, 2% last year. Winter wheat - protectiveness of snow cover 52% very poor, 69% last year; 20% poor, 17% last year; 16% fair, 14% last year; 4% good, 0% last year; 8% excellent, 0% last year. Livestock grazing accessibility - 72% open, 67% last year; 9% difficult, 24% last year; 19% closed, 9% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - cattle and calves 96% fed, 96% last year. Livestock birthing - calving complete 13%, 23% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - sheep and lambs 95% fed, 96% last year. Livestock birthing - lambing complete 11%, 15% last year. March was largely mild and dry with limited moisture across Montana. High temperatures ranged from the mid 50s to the middle 70s and low temperatures ranged from -17°F to 24°F. Most of the State recorded at least some precipitation but the amount received varied widely, with the highest recorded this month in Heron with 4.61 inches of moisture, and other reporting stations recording between 0.02 to 3.42 inches of moisture. NEBRASKA: Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 15% short, 79% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture 3% very short, 14% short, 78% adequate, and 5% surplus. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 2% poor, 35% fair, 49% good, 14% excellent. Stock water supplies 0% very short, 3% short, 94% adequate, and 3% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 4% short, 92% adequate, 4% surplus. Cattle and calves condition, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 10% fair, 70% good, 19% excellent. Calving, 50% complete. Cattle and calves death loss, 1% heavy, 67% average, 32% heavy. Sheep and lamb condition, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 8% fair, 83% good, 8% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss, 0% heavy, 69% average, 31% light. Temperatures averaged two to eight degrees above normal. Late in the month, snowfall of varying amounts was experienced in portions of the State. Fieldwork activities included tillage and fertilizer application. NEVADA: Above average temperatures occurred in the northern and central regions of the State the first week of March, then moderated with a low front crossing the latter part of the week, bringing some moisture and cooler temperatures. During the next several weeks, several lows fronts passed through the region adding little moisture, but providing plenty of wind. The Sierra Mountains received much needed additional snowpack at mid-month. In between the low fronts the weather was mild with above average temperatures throughout the northern and central regions. The southern region of Nevada received rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 65°F to 74°F over the course of the month, exceeding 84°F or dropping below 56°F only one day. NEW ENGLAND: Warmer than average temperatures continued throughout March in New England. A few areas reported some snow cover on the ground, especially in woods and around the edges. However, other areas reported no or minimal snow cover on the ground. In Maine, maple syrup production seemed to be doing well, with syrup reported being darker and deeper in flavor. In some locations throughout New Hampshire, maple syrup operations continued to collect sap as temperatures allowed, while others were already pulling their taps for the season. In Rhode Island, maple sap had stopped running about a week ago. In Massachusetts, asparagus fields were burned off where allowed and cranberry bogs still appeared in good shape for the upcoming season. Many locations throughout the region had manure storages approaching capacity; some places have already begun spreading manure while others were preparing their machinery for spreading manure soon. Farm activities included beginning spring tillage (CT), maintenance on farm equipment (all States), some seeding houses being turned back on (NH), some tomatoes being planted for transplants in high tunnels (NH & RI), pruning fruit trees and bushes (NH), and some vegetables were being planted (RI). NEW JERSEY: Soil groundwork and planting and transplanting started the first week of March and continues for the following vegetables: spinach, radishes, lettuce, escarole, endive, beets, cilantro, parsley, Swiss chard and sweet corn. Sweet Corn under plastic has emerged in protected areas. Overwinter spinach looks very good. Some field work being done as the weather permits. Frequent changes in weather, hot then cold wet. Soil saturation is hindering spring field work. Activities include spreading potash on 2016 bean ground, lime and fertilizing where needed. Commodity prices were steady. Due to warmer weather pastures should be checked for pH and fertilizer needs to optimize pasture growth. Even just some rule of thumb fertilizer applications after you collect the soil and before you get the results back would be advisable. NEW MEXICO: Warm, very dry weather dominated the State during March. With the exception of Antelope Wells, where year-to-date precipitation was 0.58 inch above normal, all weather stations reported moisture deficits since January 1. Most notably, Chama was already 4.37 inches below normal for the year, followed by Red River at -2.72 inches and El Morro at -2.23 inches. Virtually statewide, reporter comments indicated an extreme need for moisture as the spring planting season neared. Reports from Curry County noted that dry, windy conditions slowed, if not halted dryland winter wheat growth, and have negated the potential for an average production year in some irrigated fields. Average temperatures ranged from 1 degree below to 9°F above normal. Daytime highs ranged from 61°F at Chama to 87°F at Artesia and Roswell. Overnight lows varied from -5°F at Eagle Nest to 36°F at Truth or Consequences. Native pastures and rangeland feedstuffs had become depleted due to the abnormally dry first quarter. As such, most ranchers were having to provide supplemental feed to their herds to sustain herd health prior to the availability of forest service allotments. Additionally, it was reported that loco weed has become a problem in some herds in Union County. Topsoil moisture 9% very short, 74% short, 17% adequate. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 36% short, 56% adequate. Alfalfa hay condition 2% poor, 58% fair, 24% good, 16% excellent. Chile planted 24%, 50% last year. Onions planted 54%, 90% last year. Winter wheat condition 4% very poor, 17% poor, 46% fair, 33% good. Cows calved 20%, 15% last month, 16% last year. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 81%, 83% last month, 84% last year. Cattle condition 2% very poor, 4% poor, 46% fair, 45% good, 3% excellent. Ewes lambed 18%, 12% last month, 8% last year. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 42%, 77% last month, 77% last year. Sheep and lamb condition 27% very poor, 20% poor, 11% fair, 41% good, 1% excellent. Feed and concentrate supplies 1% very short, 14% short, 85% adequate. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 8% short, 84% adequate, 7% surplus. Stock water supplies 5% very short, 20% short, 63% adequate, 12% surplus. NEW YORK: Spring is underway for the State. The maple season is progressing well, and fall seeded crops were showing new growth. Weather has been warm but irregular with little precipitation. Some soil is still frozen, and soil moisture is low. There were concerns over potential damage to crops from low temperatures without snow cover. There is also worry about the possibility of a future cold snap causing damage, especially for fruit producers. There have been no reported livestock issues. Field activities for the month include tending livestock, trees, and vines, and fixing and maintaining machinery and structures, tillage, and manure and fertilizer application. NORTH CAROLINA: Days suitable for field work 5.8. Topsoil moisture 10% short, 71% adequate and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture 9% short, 71% adequate and 20% surplus. North Carolina saw dryer conditions during March which allowed farmers to plow and prepare fields for upcoming planting. Winter wheat condition 5% very poor, 14% poor, 31% fair, 42% good, 8% excellent. Oats condition 1% very poor, 8% poor, 31% fair, 56% good, 4% excellent. Barley condition 5% poor, 30% fair, 59% good, 6% excellent. Pasture conditions 3% very poor, 8% poor, 40% fair, 40% good, 9% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 7% very short, 25% short, 64% adequate, 4% surplus. NORTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture 8% very short, 26% short, 64% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 3% very short, 26% short, 68% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 2% very poor, 3% poor, 30% fair, 63% good, 2% excellent. Cattle and calves condition, 0% very poor, 0% poor, 9% fair, 77% good, 14% excellent. Calving, 11% complete. Cattle and calves death loss, 0% heavy, 55% average, 45% light. Sheep and lambs condition, 0% very poor, 0% poor, 9% fair, 82% good, 9% excellent. Ewes lambed, 17% complete. Sheep and lambs death loss, 0% heavy, 50% average, 50% light. Hay and roughage supplies, 1% very short, 4% short, 87% adequate, 8% surplus. Stock water supplies, 4% very short, 9% short, 83% adequate, 4% surplus. Temperatures averaged six or more degrees above normal. Precipitation up to an inch covered most of the State with two inches or more in the east. The warm conditions limited livestock losses and hay usage. Producers were preparing for spring fieldwork. OHIO: Topsoil moisture 2% short, 63% adequate, and 35% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% short, 71% adequate, 24% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 15% fair, 56% good, and 29% excellent. The March 2016 statewide average temperature was 46.0°F, 7.4°F above normal. Precipitation averaged 3.23 inches statewide, which was 0.68 inches above normal for the month of March. Unusually warm weather this month led to early green up in wheat, hay, and pastures. The State saw precipitation slightly above normal, causing some sporadic instances of standing water. Wheat is in great condition at the moment, though there were some worries that the advanced maturity seen in wheat fields makes them more vulnerable to any prolonged temperature drops. Growers were beginning to top-dress wheat and haul manure. Spring calving and lambing is also underway. OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma experienced warm and dry weather, with occasional rainy, cold fronts, for the month of March. The heaviest rains were received in the South Central, Southwest, and Southeast districts. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, the weather was the driest on the northwest of the State and the wettest in the southeast. Precipitation across the State averaged 2.28 inches, ranging from 0.39 of an inch in the Panhandle district to 5.61 inches in the Southeast district. Statewide temperatures averaged in the low 50's, with the lowest recording of 8°F at Kenton on Sunday, March 20th and the highest recording of 89°F at Beaver on Tuesday, March 22nd. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly adequate to short. OREGON: There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the last week of March. Pasture and range conditions were reported to be 0% very poor, 6% poor, 31% fair, 43% good and 20% excellent. The northwestern region experienced temperatures ranging between 50 and 60°F. Field work included fertilizing, and spraying grass seed, fallow ground and perennial specialty crops. Orchards were pruned and specialty seed row crops planted. Some areas experienced springtime freezing and record setting rainfall which delayed planting. Subsoil moisture was recovering from past years' drought. Pastures were impacted by compaction and hoof damage was reported due to high moisture levels. Pasture grass was growing well. Peaches and sweet cherries were in bloom in the north central region. Growth of winter wheat, forage crops, rangeland and tree fruit crops were slow but steady. The northeastern region experienced wetter weather than in February. Fieldwork was limited due to subsoil moisture conditions. The southeastern region reported lots of moisture in the form of snow and rain. Some fieldwork was completed between storms. Good snowpack was reported. Reservoirs were above 2015 levels and irrigators were informed they should receive full irrigation for 2016. Range and pasture conditions were significantly better than last year. In the southwestern region, rains made fieldwork difficult to impossible. Tree fruit crops were blooming and blueberries were about a week out from bloom. All fields needed weed control due to wet conditions. Some vineyards were pumping standing water out of fields. Grain producers reported fields were too wet to plant. Livestock producers reported pastures were too wet to work cattle. PENNSYLVANIA: March weather in Pennsylvania could be described as indecisive this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures (high of 79°F) gave way to a few days of wintery cold (low of 15°F) resulting in a State average temperature of 44°F. Despite the odd extremes, overall conditions were clear, dry and ideal for early season field activities such as seeding for hay, alfalfa and oats. Additional activities included manure hauling, fertilizer spraying, and spring tillage. SOUTH CAROLINA: March was a dryer month with windy and warmer temperatures across the State. The average high temperatures ranged from low to high 70s and the average low temperatures ranged between low 40s to low 50s. Precipitation estimates for the State ranged from 0.85 to 3.17 inches. In the western counties the weather conditions have been favorable to date. Small grains were progressing well and pastures were excellent at this time. Livestock is generally in good condition and grazing has started. In the northern counties the wheat that has been planted looks good and seems to be on pace for the season. Livestock were doing well with grasses coming back. In the eastern counties farmers were getting prepared for setting tobacco. In the midlands the weather conditions were getting drier but recent rains helped to improve it. Crop production activities have been proceeding ahead of schedule due to dry conditions. Planting conditions improved late in the month and large acreages of corn has been planted. The small amount of wheat that was planted looks fair. Corn is starting to emerge. Winter wheat, rye, and oats were looking pretty good for now. Some winter vegetable crops have been irrigated. In the southern counties, the State growers were able to get into fields for land preparation for planting. Corn that is emerging seems to be in good shape. Watermelon transplanting began in mid-March. Small grains were faring well and the March weather allowed growers to get fertilizer and weed control treatments applied. No crop insect or disease problems reported so far. SOUTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture 6% very short, 24% short, 65% adequate, 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture 7% very short, 26% short, 64% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 1% poor, 37% fair, 55% good, and 7% excellent. Stock water supplies 3% very short, 21% short, 73% adequate, 3% surplus. Hay and forage supplies 0% very poor, 3% poor, 88% adequate, and 9% excellent. Cattle and calf conditions 0% very poor, 0% poor, 19% fair, 73% good, 8% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss 0% heavy, 59% average, 41% light. Calving progress 15%. Sheep and lamb condition 0% very poor, 0% poor, 27% fair, 65% good, 8% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss 0% heavy, 69% average, 31% light. Lambing progress 21%. For the month of March 2016, temperatures were above average Statewide, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The mild temperatures were beneficial for calving and early fieldwork. Late season winter storms brought rain and snow to parts of the State. However, most locations reported below average precipitation for the month. TENNESSEE: Days suitable 4.6. Topsoil moisture 2% short, 80% adequate, 18% surplus. Subsoil moisture 3% short, 77% adequate, 20% surplus. Winter wheat condition 2% poor, 19% fair, 55% good, 24% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 1% very poor, 10% poor, 40% fair, 43% good, 6% excellent. Cattle condition 3% poor, 24% fair, 60% good, 13% excellent. Hay supplies 3% very short, 14% short, 74% adequate, 9% surplus. Tennessee experienced mild weather in March which has kept pastures and cattle in good condition. Producers have been applying fertilizer to wheat and pastures, applying burndown applications in preparation for corn/soybean planting, and a few have begun planting corn. TEXAS: Warmer weather began make its way across the State. Precipitation ranged from trace amounts to upwards of 10 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas in South East Texas reaching of 15 inches. The majority of the precipitation was concentrated to the eastern part of the State. Winter wheat and oats continued to develop, aided by precipitation and warmer weather in many parts of the State. Producers continued field preparations for cotton, corn and sorghum. Pecans continued to develop, with some orchards reporting trees beginning the bud break stage. Vegetable planting continued throughout many areas of the State. Livestock were in fair to good condition with producers beginning to reduce supplemental feeding in many parts of the State. UTAH: Topsoil moisture 0% very short, 10% last year; 24% short, 52% last year; 68% adequate, 38% last year; 8% surplus, 0% last year. Subsoil moisture 6% very short, 11% last year; 23% short, 51% last year; 67% adequate, 38% last year; 4% surplus, 0% last year. Pasture and range condition 0% very poor, 1% last year; 4% poor, 16% last year; 41% fair, 49% last year; 48% good, 32% last year; 7% excellent, 2% last year. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 0% poor, 2% last year; 38% fair, 25% last year; 51% good, 62% last year; 11% excellent, 11% last year. Barley planted 5%, 44% last year. Oats planted 6%, 25% last year. Spring wheat 10%, 49% last year. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 0% last year; 1% short, 2% last year; 80% adequate, 93% last year; 19% surplus year, 5% last year. Stock water supplies 0% very short, 3% last year; 8% short, 25% last year; 90% adequate, 72% last year; 2% surplus, 0% last year. Cattle and calves condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 1% poor, 0% last year; 14% fair, 15% last year; 67% good, 72% last year; 18% excellent, 13% last year. Sheep and lambs condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 0% poor, 0% last year; 39% fair, 22% last year; 45% good, 72% last year; 16% excellent, 6% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 68%, 55% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 58%, 38% last year. Cows calved 25%, 36% last year. Farm Flock Ewes Lambed 20%, 18% last year, and Range Flock Ewes Lambed 5%, 5% last year. During March, Utah received less precipitation than the historical average, with the only above average precipitation being in the Northeast. Abnormally dry conditions persist in two-thirds of the State with the Southeast primarily being the only region not affected. Overall drought conditions have worsened slightly over the last month. This is indicated by topsoil moisture content which has seen a significant reduction in both surplus and adequate for topsoil moisture and an increase in the short category since the February release. Snowpack conditions were slightly below their historical averages in the central and southwestern part of the State. Barley, oats and spring wheat have made their first appearance on crop progress and condition. Planting is considerably behind for each compared to March 2015. VIRGINIA: Barley conditions were 1% poor, 19% fair, 73% good, and 7% excellent. Oats conditions were 36% fair, 56% good, and 8% excellent. Winter wheat conditions were 1% poor, 23% fair, 66% good, and 10% excellent. Livestock conditions were 2% very poor, 10% poor, 22% fair, 55% good, and 11% excellent. Pasture and range conditions were 4% very poor, 18% poor, 33% fair, 37% good, and 8% excellent. Percent of feed obtained from pastures 31%. Abnormally warm temperatures have helped fields dry up after the rains of the previous month. This has allowed for more available days for fieldwork as well as help pastures green up. Pastures should see significant grow in the coming weeks. Farm activities this month included scouting small grains, preparing equipment, gathering inputs, and soil sampling. WASHINGTON: This winter was warmer and wetter compared to the previous couple of years. Flooding was a problem throughout the State. Low lying fields were having the largest problem from the excess rains. Windy days were reported with winds in excess of 30 mph throughout the State, although no severe damage was reported. Some farmers were delaying their tilling, spraying, and fertilizer applications due to the soil being overly saturated. Few fields were dry enough to start field work at the end of March. Cows continued their calving season and ewes continued lambing. Cattleman began to put their cattle out to pasture. Winter wheat was in good to excellent condition this year. However, some fields had not recovered from the dry conditions of last fall. Klickitat County reported that the fruit trees were in bloom around Maryhill and that alfalfa crowned. Whatcom County reported that blueberries and raspberries budded and were showing good growth. Overall, the State was in the process of gearing up for this year's crop season. WEST VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture was 2% very short, 11% short, 83% adequate and 4% surplus, compared to 6% short, 92% adequate, and 2% surplus last year. Subsoil moisture was 2% very short, 8% short, 85% adequate, and 5% surplus, compared to 5% short, 85% adequate, and 10% surplus last year. Hay and roughage supplies were 1% very short, 7% short, 83% adequate, and 9% surplus compared to 1% very short, 19% short, 78% adequate, and 2% surplus last year. Feed grain supplies were 1% very short, 3% short, 92% adequate, and 4% surplus compared to 5% short, 92% adequate, and 3% surplus last year. Winter wheat conditions were 7% very poor, 15% poor, 37% fair, 38% good, and 3% excellent. Calving was 65% complete, 66% in 2015, and 69% 5-year avg. Cattle and calves were 2% poor, 16% fair, 77% good, and 5% excellent. Lambing was 74% complete, 74% in 2015, and 74% 5-year avg. Sheep and lambs were 1% poor, 17% fair, 77% good, and 5% excellent. This month has been a mix of warmer and cooler periods as weather patterns changed. Farming activities included calving, lambing, and watching weather for frost to protect fruit blossoms. WISCONSIN: March temperatures at the five major weather stations ranged from 4.9 to 7.7°F above normal. Average highs ranged from 43.8 in Green Bay to 49.2 in La Crosse, while average lows ranged from 28.2 to 32.2 in those same cities. Precipitation was above average at all stations and ranged from 2.68 inches in La Crosse to 3.30 inches in Eau Claire. La Crosse received the most snowfall out of the major cities with 12.3 inches. Madison received the least, with 4.0 inches of snow for the month. Above normal temperatures and frequent rains thawed the ground and kept snow cover minimal during March. A large winter storm dropped heavy snow and ice over much of the State during the third week of the month, but reporters noted that snow cover was quick to melt. Some reporters saw manure spreading and early tillage activities, but soils in many areas were too muddy to support machinery. Winter wheat and alfalfa were reportedly greening up statewide. Reporters commented that maple sap collection was stop and go, with an unusually early start to the season and several interruptions due to above-freezing nights. WYOMING: Topsoil moisture 3% very short, 13% short, 71% adequate, 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture 7% very short, 21% short, 72% adequate. Barley planted 34%, 18% 2015. Winter wheat condition 34% fair, 59% good, 7% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 6% short, 55% adequate, 39% surplus. Livestock condition 1% poor, 11% fair, 84% good, 4% excellent. Stock water supplies 8% short, 91% adequate, 1% surplus. Pasture and range condition 8% poor, 32% fair, 58% good, 2% excellent. Cows calved 21%, 20% 2015. Cattle and calf death loss 40% average, 60% light. Ewes lambed 19%, 27% 2015. Sheep shorn 15%, 28% 2015. Sheep and lamb death loss 48% average, 52% light. Statistical Methodology Survey Procedures: Crop progress and condition estimates included in this report are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November. Additionally, survey respondents are contacted four times during the winter season - once per month 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 Anthony Prillaman, Head, Field Crops Section............. (202) 720-2127 Angie Considine - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum.. (202) 720-5944 Tony Dahlman - Oats, Soybeans....................... (202) 690-3234 Chris Hawthorn - Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet....... (202) 720-9526 James Johanson - County Estimates, Hay.............. (202) 690-8533 Scott Matthews - Crop Weather, Barley............... (202) 720-7621 Jean Porter - Rye, Wheat............................ (202) 720-8068 Bianca Pruneda - Peanuts, Rice...................... (202) 720-7688 Travis Thorson - Sunflower, Other Oilseeds.......... (202) 720-7369 Access to NASS Reports For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways: All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e- mail subscription. 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