Crop Progress - State Stories ISSN: 2470-9816 Released January 3, 2018, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ALABAMA: Livestock are in good condition. Wheat is up showing some improvement with the recent rain. Winter cover started off pretty slow, but now coming along nicely. According to the U.S Drought Monitor, more than 60% of the State remained in an abnormally dry to moderate drought throughout December. Temperatures have fluctuated between below normal and above normal. Average mean temperature for the month range from 42°F in Marion County to 53°F in Dale County. Precipitation estimates for the month ranged from 1.72 inches in Baldwin County to 6.90 inches in Marion County. ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE ARIZONA: For the month of December only 22 of the 50 weather stations reported any precipitation, with Buckeye and Paloma reporting the least at 0.01 inches while Nogales reported the most at 0.64 inches. All but 5 of the 50 weather stations reported above normal temperatures for the month. The highest temperature during the month was 86 degrees at Ajo, Roll and Sahuarita. The lowest temperature during the week was -3 degrees at the Grand Canyon. Cotton defoliation was virtually complete while 90 percent of cotton had been harvested by the end of December. Barley planting was complete on 20 percent of the acreage last month, compared to only 1 percent last year and 3 percent of barley had emerged. Durum Wheat planting was estimated at 21 percent complete with 4 percent emerged. Vegetable and citrus harvesting activities continued throughout the month. ARKANSAS: The month of December saw the trend of dry weather from the past few months continue. Forages are struggling due to drought conditions. Temperatures were mild at the beginning of the month but dropped sharply at the end of the month. Livestock conditions are fair but continue to decline due to extreme cold and declining forage conditions. Livestock producers are working to care for animals to break up ice and provide water. They are also feeding corn for extra energy in cold weather, feeding supplemental hay, and in some cases finding shelter for animals. Wheat crops are in fair to good condition though many producers did not plant wheat due to the lack of rain in the past few months. CALIFORNIA: Topsoil moisture 60% very short, 20% short, 20% adequate. Subsoil moisture 55% very short, 20% short, 25% adequate. Cotton was harvested 100%, 98% 2017, 100% avg; cotton upland condition, 20% good, 80% excellent. Winter wheat planted 99%, 99% 2017, 100% avg; 80% emerged, 97% 2017, 95% avg. Winter wheat condition, 5% fair, 20% good, 75% excellent. Pasture and range condition, 35% very poor, 30% poor, 10% fair, 25% good. The month started with some precipitation. After the first weeks of the month very little precipitation was received in the State. By the end of the month, dry conditions prevailed and above normal temperatures were experienced. The drier conditions have delayed the planting of some crops such as carrots. Also, pasture and range conditions have deteriorated quickly. COLORADO: Topsoil moisture 18% very short, 42% short, 40% adequate. Subsoil moisture 16% very short, 33% short, 51% adequate. Winter wheat condition 6% very poor, 15% poor, 31% fair, 43% good, 5% excellent. Livestock condition 5% poor, 21% fair, 67% good, 7% excellent. Pasture and range condition 2% very poor, 15% poor, 34% fair, 44% good, 5% excellent. Continued warm and dry weather during the month of December was interspersed with minimal seasonal snowfall. Reporters in all districts noted that insignificant moisture was received during the past month and snow was too cold to contain much moisture content. In northeastern counties, reporters expressed concern that dry conditions accompanied by cold snaps without the benefit of snow cover might have hurt fall seeded wheat. In southwest, southeast, and San Luis Valley counties, reporters noted dry conditions dominated the past month, but that feed supplies were adequate due to less snow cover on grazed range. Across the state, rangeland conditions were reported as declining due to dry conditions. Livestock are reported to be in good condition with sufficient feed supplies and availability of winter grazing where snow cover is not a hindrance. As of January 1, 2018, snowpack was at 56 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. DELAWARE: For the month of December the maximum registered temperature was 70°F and the minimum was -2°F (recorded in Georgetown, DE.)Instances of precipitation ranged from 8 to 21 days across the State with a maximum of 1.90 inches of precipitation within 21 days period. Weather conditions were conducive to emergence and slight growth of winter wheat, cover crops, and other commodity small grains. However, the last 7-10 days of the month were very cold, with temperatures in the single digits and deep freezes. Some reporters expressed concerns that this could result in crop damage. Reporters also indicated low livestock prices resulted in many beef calves being held on farms with hope of a price increase in early 2018. Other than farming, activities for the month included taking soil samples, repairing and cleaning up equipment, purchasing supplies, tax planning, pricing inputs for 2017, and attending workshops as usual for the month. FLORIDA: December started mostly warm and dry. The Panhandle and northern counties were under abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions for the entire month. Cotton, soybean, and peanut harvesting all wrapped up at the beginning of the month. Sugarcane harvest continued in Glades, Hendry, and Palm Beach Counties. Some winter cover crops and forages were able to be planted in the Panhandle and northern part of State early in the month. Vegetable producers harvested green beans, beets, collards, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs, kale, pepper, pole beans, squash, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, tomatoes, yellow squash, watermelon, and zucchini. The dry conditions and warm temperatures had pasture quality and quantity declining steadily throughout the month. Some pastures were damaged by frost beginning in the middle of the month. The cattle, however remained in mostly good condition. Supplemental feeding was reported in several counties. Citrus grove operations were normal for this time of the year. Early orange harvest activities increased at the beginning of month. Grapefruit harvest was in full swing by the end of the month. The majority of white grapefruit went to the export market, while red grapefruit was equally distributed between domestic use and export. All processing plants except one were open and accepting field-run fruit by the end of the month. Grove work included irrigating, mowing, spraying, topping and hedging, and fertilizing. Irrigation was used throughout most of the month. GEORGIA: Total rainfall for the month ranged from 1.6 inches in Lowndes County to 5.5 inches in Chattooga County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the percentage of the State in a moderate drought remained around 40 percent throughout the month. Average temperatures in the major agricultural regions were on par for this time of year. On December 8th, the northwestern portion of the State received several inches of snow that caused significant tree damage and collapsed the roofs of several poultry houses and barns. Small grains, pastures, and hayfields were in good condition, but their development was somewhat delayed from cold temperatures. Pest pressure was minimal overall. Livestock condition was good in the southern region, but animals in the northern region were stressed by cold weather. Hay quantities were sufficient. Field preparations for vegetables and watermelons began. Fruit and nut crops were on track to accumulate enough chilling hours for the season. Onions were in good condition. HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE IDAHO: December was a bit more mild than normal across the State, especially early in the month. In the northern region, a small number of animals were still grazing towards the beginning of the month due to the warmer than usual temperature. Starting mid-month the region began to see heavy snowfall. Most areas had continuous snow cover throughout the latter half of the month, even if minimal. The end of the month brought subfreezing temperatures and icy conditions from frozen rainfall. Fall seeded crops were wintering well. The southwest had a little bit of snow cover throughout much of the month. Calving had just started in some areas though several also reported no calving yet. The southeast region also had a fairly mild month. Temperatures were mostly above normal and precipitation was minimal. It was very dry in December for many of the southeastern counties. The snowpack was lower than normal though there were some snowstorms late in the month to bring it up. Winter feeding was ongoing. The warmer temperatures were favorable for allowing producers to feed less hay. Livestock was reported as doing well. Most areas reported calving had not yet begun, but there were a few exceptions. ILLINOIS: Topsoil moisture 9% very short, 24% short, 65% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 12% very short, 30% short, 56% adequate, 2% surplus. Winter wheat condition 5% very poor, 10% poor, 29% fair, 48% good, 8% excellent. Statewide, temperatures for the month of December averaged 28.9 degrees, 0.9 degree below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.85 inches, 1.84 inches below normal. INDIANA: Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 9% short, 82% adequate, and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture 12% short, 80% adequate, and 8% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 21% fair, 61% good, and 14% excellent. Statewide temperatures averaged 29.0 degrees, 2.2 degrees below normal for the month of December. Statewide average precipitation was 1.35 inches, 1.71 inches below normal. Drier conditions at the start of the month allowed producers to complete late harvests, repair and install drainage tile, clear fencerows, apply lime and fertilizer, and do primary tillage work. A deep freeze set in at the end of the month with snow starting around Christmas. The cold weather brought an end to any field operations but provided a protective snow cover for growing wheat and cover crops, but some reporters indicated that frigid conditions and wind chill could impact younger winter wheat not adequately covered by snow. Hay supplies are adequate but bitter cold and snowy conditions have made it challenging for livestock. The subzero temperatures have made it challenging to keep waterways open for livestock. Farmers have kept busy getting paperwork together for taxes, purchasing inputs for 2018 crops and livestock, repairing and preparing equipment for spring, hauling corn and soybeans to local grain markets and visiting local FSA offices to apply for farm-stored commodity loans. IOWA: Iowa experienced unseasonably warm temperatures the first three weeks of December. This allowed fieldwork such as tilling, fencing, applying fertilizer, tiling and terracing at the beginning of the month. Fieldwork ceased as snow and extreme cold were reported across much of the State the last week of December. Grain movement in December was mostly light to non- existent with hopes grain prices will improve. Reporters noted the warm weather in early December extended adequate hay supplies with livestock able to graze fields longer than usual. The recent cold has forced feedlots to increase feed rations in order to gain weight. Although livestock have handled the cold well, producers remain vigilant as wind chills reached minus 30 degrees in some areas. KANSAS: Topsoil moisture 28% very short, 49% short, 23% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture 16% very short, 48% short, 36% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition 4% very poor, 18% poor, 41% fair, 34% good, 3% excellent. Cotton harvested 86%, 92% last year, 94% average. KENTUCKY: December brought below normal temperatures and precipitation. Scattered light snow and rain showers did occur during the month, but with very little accumulations. In mid-December the US Drought Monitor reported abnormally dry conditions in predominantly southern and eastern portions of the State. Temperatures averaged 36 degrees for the month, 2 degrees below normal. Precipitation for the month totaled 2.85 inches, 1.6 inches below normal. Some tobacco producers have had issues getting and keeping tobacco in case during the cold temperatures to finish stripping the crop. The amount of tobacco stripped was 79 percent, compared to 81 percent last year. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 4% very poor, 10% poor, 22% fair, 48% good, and 16% excellent. Most producers feel hay supplies are adequate. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 2% very short, 7% short, 81% adequate, and 10% surplus. The cold temperatures have increased feed intake and put stress on cattle and horses. Livestock conditions were rated as 1% very poor, 3% poor, 18% fair, 68% good, and 10% excellent. LOUISIANA: Cold, wet, and muddy conditions was experienced most of December which caused problems for many producers. Pasture and forages are behind schedule due to lack of rain. Persistent drought conditions continued to hinder ryegrass production. The recent cold wave has caused an increase in the use of hay for livestock in December. It's been colder than normal. Cattle are being fed hay and supplements more than normal with not much good quality hay. Cattle are losing body condition scores with the low nutrition out there. Crawfish producers have slowed production with colder than normal winter weather. This cold winter has affected sugarcane quality and hindered completion of this year's harvest. A lot of sugarcane remains in the field still. Milder winter conditions are needed to help with cattle and winter pastures as well as sugarcane and crawfish production. MARYLAND: For the month of December the maximum registered temperature was 67°F and the minimum was -3°F (recorded in Patuxent River, MD.) Instances of precipitation ranged from 0 to 18 days across the State with a maximum of 1.52 inches of precipitation in 9 days period. Weather conditions were conducive to emergence and slight growth of winter wheat, cover crops, and other commodity small grains. However, the last 7-10 days of the month were very cold, with temperatures in the single digits and deep freezes. Some reporters expressed concerns that this could result in crop damage. Reporters also indicated low livestock prices resulted in many beef calves being held on farms with hope of a price increase in early 2018. Other than farming, activities for the month included taking soil samples, repairing and cleaning up equipment, purchasing supplies, tax planning, pricing inputs for 2017, and attending workshops as usual for the month. MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 3% short, 71% adequate, 25% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 4% short, 78% adequate, 17% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 3% very poor, 4% poor, 20% fair, 64% good, 9% excellent. A few daily snowfall accumulation records were broken throughout the region this past month. Snowfall has been the main form of precipitation for the season thus far. The winter storm brought with it cold temperatures and the cold conditions have lingered. Producers have slight concern involving damage to fruit trees due to the cold temperatures. There has been no reports of animal loss, just increased feed expenses. There has been sufficient snow cover to protect the winter wheat from winter-kill damage across most of the State. MINNESOTA: Statewide temperatures for the month averaged 15.6 degrees, 0.8 degrees below average. Average precipitation was 0.60 inches, 0.39 inches below normal. Cold weather towards the end of the month occurred across the State and much of the nation. Thirty-one new low temperature records were set according to the University of Minnesota with a recording of -42 degrees at Cotton on the 28th. Windy conditions were also a concern with several days of over 30 miles per hour wind gusts. Northeast Minnesota saw the greatest temperature differences compared to normal with 4.1 degrees below normal. Reporters mentioned concerns about winterkill on alfalfa due to the lack of adequate snow cover. Livestock producers are also concerned of the impact of the cold on their animals, specifically the demand for more hay consumption. MISSISSIPPI: The month of December started with cold, dry conditions with little rain in sight. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the central portion of the State was suffering from a moderate drought while the north- western and southern portion was classified as abnormally dry. Most field crops had been harvested as forage producers looked to get their winter wheat crop planted. During mid-month, temperatures fluctuated as the State averaged 46.4 degrees and received 0.41 inches of sporadic rainfall. There was not much farming activity. Livestock producers either fed hay or allowed grazing on pastures, if possible. Temperatures continued to decrease towards the end of the month, (lows ranging to low 20's - highs ranging to low 40's), as preparations for the cold were being made. Many have reported that the extreme, cold conditions possibly damaged or halted growth of winter annuals causing several livestock producers to be concerned. Some crop producers stated that they are hoping the drop in temperature will at least reduce the number of harmful insects that might affect the 2018 crop. Overall, weather has been unseasonably cold as the State is fairly dry and could use more moisture. MISSOURI: Topsoil moisture 21% very short, 41% short, 36% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 13% very short, 45% short, 40% adequate, 2% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 14% short, 81% adequate, 4% surplus. Stock water supplies 10% very short, 33% short, 57% adequate. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 14% poor, 36% fair, 43% good, 6% excellent. MONTANA: Topsoil moisture 11% very short, 2% last year; 22% short, 10% last year; 62% adequate, 83% last year; 5% surplus, 5% last year. Subsoil moisture 18% very short, 5% last year; 36% short, 18% last year; 44% adequate, 73% last year; 2% surplus, 4% last year. Winter wheat - condition 3% very poor, 0% last year; 10% poor, 4% last year; 47% fair, 38% last year; 31% good, 48% last year; 9% excellent, 10% last year. Winter wheat - wind damage 79% none, 66% last year; 16% light, 28% last year; 5% moderate, 6% last year; 0% heavy, 0% last year. Winter wheat - freeze and drought damage 73% none, 78% last year; 18% light, 15% last year; 5% moderate, 7% last year; 4% heavy, 0% last year. Winter wheat - protectiveness of snow cover 1% very poor, 7% last year; 10% poor, 5% last year; 31% fair, 29% last year; 24% good, 40% last year; 34% excellent, 19% last year. Livestock grazing accessibility - 13% open, 23% last year; 34% difficult, 39% last year; 53% closed, 38% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - cattle and calves 94% fed, 97% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - sheep and lambs 98% fed, 98% last year. The month of December was mostly cold for the State, though there were brief periods of above average temperatures between storm systems. High temperatures ranged from the high 30s to the high 60s. Low temperatures ranged from the teens to -43 degrees in Saco. Precipitation in the form of snowfall was present across most of the State but a few areas are still below normal. The highest recorded precipitation for the month was in Heron with 5.46 inches of moisture. NEBRASKA: Topsoil moisture 6% very short, 37% short, 56% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 7% very short, 27% short, 66% adequate. Winter wheat condition 2% very poor, 5% poor, 29% fair, 58% good, 6% excellent. NEVADA: Topsoil moisture 40% very short, 60% short. Subsoil moisture 30% very short, 35% short, 35% adequate. Pasture and range condition, 5% very poor, 10% poor, 60% fair, 25% good. Temperatures have unusually warmed for the previous month. Weather was very dry for this time of year across the State. Minimal snowfall fell in the northern portion of the State. Fall planting has finished. Corn harvest ended in December. Field work in the past month has been quiet, and farming activities are not expected until March. Calving started in some areas, and overall livestock was in good condition. NEW ENGLAND: Regional monthly temperatures ranged from 10 degrees below normal to no change from historical averages. Monthly precipitation ranged from 1.29 to 5.78 inches throughout the region. The first half of December States in New England experienced warmer to average seasonal temperatures with normal amounts of snow and rain. However, the middle of the month through the end of December temperatures shifted to unseasonably colder weather and more snowfall, with several regions reporting temperatures below zero during the last week. With low temperatures and wind chill factors bringing temperatures to near record lows, many operations have struggled with frozen pipes and damage to property and equipment. The frozen pipes is a cause for concern for livestock farmers, as this impacts livestock access to fresh drinking water. The colder temperatures also has encouraged livestock farmers to increase feed to livestock, so they can bulk up and stay better insulated. Several orchardists delayed pruning until mid-December. Maple producers began tapping trees and are hoping for warmer temperatures to help with better yields. Operations have shifted much of their focus to farm and equipment maintenance to combat the cold, as well as year-end tax bookkeeping duties. NEW JERSEY: Cold weather has set in across the region, and temperatures ranged from a high of 66 degrees to a low of 2 degrees. First north Jersey snows in mid-December brought out hay buyers. In spite of very cold temperatures and snowfall, Christmas agricultural business locally was good. Only a little corn is left to harvest. In south Jersey vegetable markets and sweet potato markets slowed. Growers were putting lime out. This has been a challenging season for vineyards. Rain that helps other crops unfortunately increases work and inputs needed in vineyards. Honey production was down due to the wet year, but beekeepers are ordering bees for April. Nurseries run year around, and some growers are starting their greenhouses for spring plant production. One concern in several parts of New Jersey is that very cold temperatures and desiccating high winds are threatening overwintering crops, especially fruit. The number of days of below freezing temperatures may lead to Southwest injury on tree fruit. This situation is being monitored. NEW MEXICO: Topsoil moisture 55% very short, 24% short, 19% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 41% very short, 40% short, 17% adequate, 2% surplus. Chile harvested 100%, 89% November 26, 99% last year. Corn harvested for grain 100%, 80% November 26, 100% last year. Cotton harvested 96%, 73% November 26, 92% last year. Peanuts harvested 100%, 85% November 26. Pecans harvested 89%, 30% November 26, 52% last year. Sorghum harvested 99%, 75% November 26, 99% last year. Pecan condition 2% fair, 43% good, 55% excellent. Winter wheat condition 16% very poor, 40% poor, 17% fair, 26% good, 1% excellent. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 73%, 40% November 26, 81% last year. Cattle condition 2% very poor, 2% poor, 24% fair, 69% good, 3% excellent. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 63%, 46% November 26, 71% last year. Sheep and lamb condition 25% very poor, 18% poor, 11% fair, 46% good. Hay and roughage supplies 5% very short, 21% short, 73% adequate, 1% surplus. Stock water supplies 10% very short, 23% short, 66% adequate, 1% surplus. With the exception of a few extremely isolated areas along the south-eastern border, precipitation has been scarce across much of the State since the beginning of November. During the most recent 60-day period, a very large portion of the entire State has accumulated less than 25 percent of the normal precipitation level. According to the Drought Monitor released on December 28, nearly 63 percent of the State was classified as abnormally dry, and just over 30 percent was classified as suffering from moderate drought. There was no measurable moisture recorded at 24 of the 45 reporting weather stations during the month. Of the stations that accumulated precipitation during the month, no station reported more than 0.76 inch. Average temperatures ranged from -3 degrees below to 8 degrees above normal. While average temperatures were warmer than normal, comments from some counties indicated that producers were having to haul water to their livestock due to frozen pipes and ponds resulting from cold overnight lows. Daytime highs varied from 53 degrees at Angel Fire to 79 degrees at Acme, Carlsbad, Roswell, and Tucumcari. Overnight lows ranged from -4 degrees at Ocate to 21 degrees at Carlsbad. Statewide, winter wheat condition has deteriorated significantly since the end of November. Comments from Curry County noted that cattle on some wheat fields will be moved to dryland grass fields soon. Supplemental feeding was increasing in areas where native feedstuffs were already deteriorating. NEW YORK: Temperatures ranged from one to seven degrees below average. The average range was 16 to 36 degrees throughout the State. Total precipitation ranged from 5.67 to .33 inches. December weather conditions overall were described as very cold with some operators concerned about livestock. Snow in some areas prevented the remaining corn and some soybean acres from being harvested. Lake effect snow impacted a few areas in the northwestern part of the State where other parts of the State received just bitter cold with natural water sources frozen and a deeper frost line. Conditions also left some operators with jelled fuel in equipment. NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall for the month of December. Topsoil moisture 5% very short, 44% short, 48% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture 6% very short, 30% short, 61% adequate and 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition 4% poor, 24% fair, 57% good, 15% excellent. Oats condition 1% very poor, 8% poor, 24% fair, 61% good, 6% excellent. Barley condition 2% poor, 36% fair, 58% good, 4% excellent. Pasture conditions 9% poor, 36% fair, 54% good, 1% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 8% short, 82% adequate, 9% surplus. NORTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture rated 11% very short, 34% short, 54% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 16% very short, 33% short, 50% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 15% very poor, 23% poor, 35% fair, 27% good, 0% excellent. Cattle and calf conditions, 0% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 68% good, 9% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss, 1% heavy, 58% average, 41% light. Sheep and lamb conditions, 1% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 58% good, 9% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss, 0% heavy, 58% average, 42% light. Hay and roughage supplies, 5% very short, 24% short, 69% adequate, 2% surplus. Stock water supplies, 15% very short, 34% short, 50% adequate, 1% surplus. OHIO: Topsoil moisture 4% short, 80% adequate, and 16% surplus. Subsoil moisture 4% short, 81% adequate, 15% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 15% fair, 66% good, and 16% excellent. The December 2017 Statewide average temperature was 29.0 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.66 inches Statewide, which was 1.26 inches below normal for the month of December. Fields were dry and workable for first part of the month but the entire State saw snow cover of various depths on fall planted crops by the last week of December. Sub-zero temperatures have kept the snow cover in place during the last part of December. Wheat appears to be faring well where adequate snow cover exists although some reporters indicated high winds blew away snow cover on fields where snow cover was thin to begin with. By month's end, frigid temperatures made it nearly impossible to work fields as a deep freeze set in. OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma experienced cold and dry conditions during the month. Precipitation levels remained below average in December. According to OCS Mesonet, the Statewide average precipitation for the full month of December was 1.06 inches. As of December 26th, 76 percent of the State was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up 4 points from the previous year and 28 percent of the State was in the Severe to exceptional drought categories, down 18 points from the previous year. Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 30's, with the lowest recording of 1 degree at Buffalo on Sunday, December 31st and the highest recording of 83 degrees at Burneyville on Monday, December 4th. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly short to adequate. OREGON: December weather was a mixed bag in Oregon. If anything, the State was slightly drier than normal. The southwestern and southeastern portions of Oregon deviated the most in terms of warmer temperatures and cumulative precipitation. Nothing reported thus far would be a large concern for the 2018 crop outlook. The northern coastal region observed continued crop growth and some late harvested vegetables in a few counties. Herbicide applications were completed in Polk County. Goats and cattle began feeding on hay and haylage. Some sheep grazed on fields in grass seed production. Hazelnuts were planted in Linn County. Some winter spraying was also completed. Farther inland, pasture conditions remained good as long as livestock were kept to their winter feeding areas. Winter grains looked normal in Columbia County with no evidence of frost heaving on most plantings. Cover crops were up on most corn silage fields in Clatsop and Tillamook counties. Southwestern Oregon reported drier and warmer than normal weather conditions. Low temps were well above the 5-year average on the southern coast for the last week of the year. High temps were also well above the 5-year average in Coos County and a little above in southern Curry County. Jackson County also experienced one of the driest Decembers on record. In Douglas County, only about 5 inches of rain total were received in the past three months. This amount was about a third of normal. Producers in these areas desired a more normal rainfall pattern starting in the New Year. With the large acreage of grapes, blueberries, raspberries and black berries, a few more cold spells before spring would also help control Spotted Wing Drosophila populations. Winter pruning progress went well with the dry weather for grapes, berries, and orchard crops. The wheat was up in North Central Oregon and covered in snow. So far, this region of Oregon has experienced a winter without extreme high and low temperatures. Livestock were on winter pastures. It will be a couple more weeks before calving starts. In Northeastern Oregon, most crops had snow cover. Ranchers started to calve spring cows in this region. In southeastern Oregon, most farming was complete for winter. Limited, if any, corn harvest completed in early December. Cattle were being gathered and shipped. Many counties in this region were covered in snow on Christmas Eve. PENNSYLVANIA: Temperatures ranged from a high of 64 degrees to a low of - 12 degrees. The temperatures are quite cold with the daytime temperatures being below normal. Very cold weather stresses outdoor farm tasks. Crop conferences and farm shows occupy time when not doing animal care. Almost all crops harvested except a few corn acres. Cold temperatures this past week made farm activities a problem with frozen pipes etc... Harvest is finished, readying equipment for next year and taking care of livestock. SOUTH CAROLINA: December was generally cold and dry throughout the State as producers had to plan field work around freezing weather during the month while precipitation came in early and mid-December. The vast majority of the cotton and soybean was harvested and most of the wheat and other small grains acreage was planted in limited amounts. Average mean temperatures for the month ranged from 41.7°F in Boiling Springs to 51.4°F in Charleston. Precipitation estimates for the month ranged from 2.36 inches in Anderson to 4.66 inches in Florence. SOUTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture 19% very short, 34% short, 46% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 24% very short, 32% short, 43% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 15% very poor, 21% poor, 44% fair, 19% good, and 1% excellent. TENNESSEE: Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 8% short, 86% adequate, 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 11% short, 82% adequate, 6% surplus. Winter wheat condition 3% poor, 11% fair, 72% good, 14% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 10% very poor, 17% poor, 39% fair, 33% good, 1% excellent. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 4% poor, 20% fair, 65% good, 10% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 2% very short, 9% short, 73% adequate, 16% surplus. Tennessee experienced mild temperatures to start December followed by much needed rainfall and very cold temperatures in late December. Early weather patterns have improved winter wheat and pastures; extending grazing and keeping adequate hay stocks. However, cold temperatures have increased livestock feed intake and may also damage late planted winter wheat. Cattle condition is currently reported as good. Hay and roughage supplies are mostly adequate to surplus, up significantly from last year at this time. TEXAS: While it was dry across much of the State, some regions saw welcome precipitation around the 7th to the 8th. Snow fell across central and southeast Texas with some areas reporting 1-3 inches. A strong cold front passed through the State the last week of December dropping temperatures but producing little moisture. Drought conditions improved in South Texas. However, it remained dry around the rest of the State, leading to the expansion of abnormally dry conditions across the Texas Panhandle. The area of severe drought was mainly centered in eastern Texas. UTAH: Topsoil moisture 8% very short, 0% last year; 41% short, 6% last year; 51% adequate, 84% last year; 0% surplus, 10% last year. Subsoil moisture 10% very short, 3% last year; 26% short, 14% last year; 64% adequate, 78% last year; 0% surplus, 5% last year. Pasture and range condition 7% very poor, 5% last year; 14% poor, 10% last year; 50% fair, 40% last year; 29% good, 43% last year; 0% excellent, 2% last year. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 4% poor, 0% last year; 64% fair, 38% last year; 30% good, 60% last year; 2% excellent, 2% last year. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 0% last year; 3% short, 1% last year; 87% adequate, 66% last year; 10% surplus year, 33% last year. Stock water supplies 3% very short, 0% last year; 12% short, 10% last year; 85% adequate, 85% last year; 0% surplus, 5% last year. Cattle and calves condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 3% poor, 0% last year; 16% fair, 11% last year; 78% good, 85% last year; 3% excellent, 4% last year. Sheep and lambs condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 3% poor, 1% last year; 32% fair, 22% last year; 63% good, 75% last year; 2% excellent, 2% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 70%, 63% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 56%, 58% last year. Cows calved 1%, 1% last year. December was still very dry with only one storm and snow pack below normal levels. Box Elder County reports only one storm during the month of December and snowpack is below normal. Garfield and Kane Counties report livestock water is in short supply and is causing some producers to haul water in or sell cattle. Beaver County reports very dry conditions. VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture 6% very short, 56% short, 38% adequate. Subsoil moisture 5% very short, 41% short, 49% adequate, 5% surplus. Winter wheat condition 2% very poor, 6% poor, 19% fair, 52% good, 21% excellent. Barley condition 11% very poor, 11% poor, 26% fair, 35% good, 17% excellent. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 7% poor, 36% fair, 46% good, 10% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 14% very poor, 35% poor, 27% fair, 23% good, 1% excellent. Hay supplies 3% very short, 29% short, 66% adequate, 2% surplus. Percent of feed obtained from pastures 12%.Virginia experienced below normal temperatures and precipitation in December. This has caused stress on pastures and hay supplies. Small grain and fall seeded grasses have seen slow growth due to the cold weather. Producers have been feeding hay. Hay and roughage supplies are mostly adequate to short. Primary activities for the month include equipment maintenance and purchasing seed and fertilizer. WASHINGTON: December weather in Washington was warmer than normal. Coastal regions received quite a bit of rain, however the western and central regions were slightly drier than normal. A decent amount of snow and rain fell throughout Washington during the Christmas week. Multifaceted weather was the norm in western Washington; early cold waves, cold sunny days, and then warmer rain-filled days followed by showers. Ponds began to fill. Water showed up on the surface and flowed off site to join cohorts which flowed into seasonal ditches and stream beds. Livestock feeding continued on stockpiled feed on high ground. Pruning of berries, vines and fruit trees began on most farms that have those commodities. Some fruit trees and berry bushes showed bud swells due to the warmer than average temperatures. In central Washington, some of the winter wheat was under a light cover of snow which provided good frost protection. Fruit growers pruned their trees. Most livestock producers were on full-feed, however some producers were able to keep their cattle out on late fall pastures due to the absence of heavy snow. These producers supplemented with protein. Spring calving and lambing operations should have less harsh conditions to work with compared to last year. Growers in this region looked to a wetter January to recharge soil and fill reservoirs and ponds. In northeastern Washington, some snowfall provided ground cover for fall plantings. Late mild weather allowed for spraying and other fall work to continue past normal timeframes. East central Washington experienced some snow accumulation and freezing rain in some counties. Winter wheat was in mostly good condition through the region. Ranchers and farmers ramped up their shop and equipment repair work as winter settled in. In southeastern Washington, winter wheat conditions also looked good. Good fall rains and warmer weather produced good stands of wheat heading to winter. Good livestock conditions were also reported in this region. WEST VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture was 1% very short, 19% short, and 80% adequate. Subsoil moisture was 1% very short, 23% short, and 76% adequate. Hay and roughage supplies were 1% short, 91% adequate, and 8% surplus. Feed grain supplies were 12% short and 88% adequate. Winter wheat conditions were 7% poor, 50% fair, 35% good, and 8% excellent. Cattle and calves were 2% poor, 18% fair, 69% good, and 11% excellent. Sheep and lambs were 1% poor, 26% fair, 67% good, and 6% excellent. Weather this month has been a mix of above average temperatures and cold temperatures with mostly dry conditions. Farming activities for the month included planning for the next crop season and preparing for cold weather. Cold temperatures have frozen water supplies for livestock. WISCONSIN: December temperatures at the five major weather stations ranged from 2.8 degrees below normal to 0.3 degrees above normal. Average highs ranged from 23.0 degrees in Eau Claire to 32.2 degrees in Milwaukee, while average lows ranged from 9.1 to 19.4 degrees in those same cities. Precipitation ranged from 0.46 inches in Milwaukee to 1.29 inches in Green Bay. Green Bay received the most snowfall out of the major cities with 12.0 inches. Madison received the least, with 3.7 inches of snow for the month. Bitter cold weather late in the month averaged 20 degrees below normal in most areas. There were some reports of corn still in the fields to be harvested. With the bitter cold temperatures late in December, it was reported that livestock and poultry farmers are having issues with water and ventilation. Frozen manure hasn't been easy to manage. WYOMING: Topsoil moisture 10% very short, 38% short, 44% adequate, 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture 20% very short, 33% short, 43% adequate, 4% surplus. Winter wheat condition 16% poor, 26% fair, 42% good, 16% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 19% short, 80% adequate. Livestock condition 3% poor, 23% fair, 68% good, 6% excellent. Stock water supplies 12% very short, 28% short, 60% adequate. Pasture and range condition 8% very poor, 29% poor, 33% fair, 30% good. 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 Chris Hawthorn - Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet.. (202) 720-9526 James Johanson - County Estimates, Hay......... (202) 690-8533 Jeff Lemmons - Oats, Soybeans.................. (202) 690-3234 Sammy Neal - Peanuts, Rice..................... (202) 720-7688 Joshua O'Rear - Crop Weather, Barley........... (202) 720-7621 Jean Porter - Rye, Wheat....................... (202) 720-8068 Bianca Pruneda - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum... (202) 720-5944 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: www.nass.usda.gov Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e- mail subscription. To set-up this free subscription, visit www.nass.usda.gov and click on "National" or "State" in upper right corner above "search" box to create an account and select the reports you would like to receive. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) 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