Crop Progress - State Stories ISSN: 2470-9816 Released January 30, 2018, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ALABAMA: Very cold temperatures along with ice and snow made January a stressful month for livestock producers. Weather conditions also delayed fieldwork. Pastures were dry and in need of rainfall to green up. Hay supplies were adequate, but demand was steady. Wheat and other annual cool season crops were slightly damaged by single digit temperatures but should completely recover. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire State was experiencing some level of dryness with over 70 percent classified as moderate to severely dry. Average mean temperature for the month range from 58°F in Mobile County to 48°F in DeKalb County. Precipitation estimates for the month ranged from 4.85 inches in Lauderdale County to 15.73 inches in Washington County. ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE ARIZONA: For the month of January, 48 of the 50 weather stations reported some precipitation, with Douglas reporting the least at 0.01 inches while Teec Nos Pos reported the most at 2.04 inches. All weather stations reported above normal temperatures for the month. The highest temperature during the month was 82 degrees at Ajo, Roll and Sahuarita. The lowest temperature during the month was -6 degrees at Springerville. By the end of January, 95 percent of the cotton crop had been harvested. Barley planting was complete on 40 percent of the acreage last month, compared to 65 percent last year and 35 percent of barley had emerged, compared with 11 percent last year. Durum wheat planting was estimated at 58 percent complete, compared with 53 percent last year and 43 percent had emerged compared with 10 percent last year. Alfalfa conditions were rated mostly good to excellent, depending on location last week with harvesting taking place on over three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage across the State. Reports were received of sheep grazing alfalfa fields. ARKANSAS: The month of January was a mix of dry, cold, and wet weather conditions. Winter forages were still struggling to get started and cattle producers were looking closely at hay stocks. Temperatures were extremely cold with drought like conditions. Livestock conditions were fair but continued to decline due to extreme cold and declining forage conditions. Drastic weather changes caused many cattle to have respiratory problems, and some cattle died due to extremely cold nights. Livestock producers continued to get hay and supplemental feed as winter annuals did not come up due to dry weather at planting. Wheat crops were in fair to good condition. Most fields were hit hard by geese but warm temperatures will help it bounce back. Some fields were waterlogged due to the thawed ice and rain. Because of this, the fields will need drier weather to recover. Soil sampling continues on row crop and forage acres to prepare for the 2018 growing season. Most farmers started back to work in January preparing equipment for the spring. CALIFORNIA: For the week ending January 28, topsoil moisture was 30% very short, 40% short, 30% adequate. Subsoil moisture was 30% very short, 30% short, 40% adequate. Winter wheat emerged was at 100%, compared to 100% in 2017, and the 5-year average of 100%. Winter wheat condition was 5% fair, 30% good, 65% excellent. Pasture and range condition was 30% very poor, 30% poor, 15% fair, 25% good. The month started with most of the State experiencing mild temperatures and mostly dry conditions, with some intermittent rainfall. However, the State received heavy rains by mid-month. By the end of the month, dry conditions again prevailed and above normal temperatures were experienced. The precipitation has been good for planting some crops, such as carrots. However, despite the precipitation, irrigation was still needed. Pasture and range conditions have improved somewhat due to the precipitation. COLORADO: For the month of January, topsoil moisture was 21% very short, 38% short, 41% adequate. For the month of January, subsoil moisture was 7% very short, 29% short, 64% adequate. For the month of January, winter wheat condition was 3% very poor, 25% poor, 35% fair, 36% good, 1% excellent. For the month of January, livestock condition was 2% poor, 14% fair, 78% good, 6% excellent. For the month of January, pasture and range condition was 2% very poor, 26% poor, 36% fair, 34% good, 2% excellent. Continued dry weather during the month of January was punctuated with minimal seasonal snowfall. Reporters in all districts noted insignificant moisture was received during January to properly sustain fall seeded crops and moisture reserves. Eastern, northeastern, and southeastern county reporters noted while some welcome wet snow was received, winter wheat was stressed due to windy conditions and lack of consistent moisture. Range conditions were also a concern due to a lack of received moisture. In southwestern counties, reporters noted that drought continued to be a major concern, and livestock producers hauled water to ponds on private and federal lands due to lack of winter moisture. They also noted dry conditions pushed producers to buy up more hay, which was short in some areas. Southwestern reporters also mentioned winter wheat remained very stressed due to lack of timely moisture. In San Luis Valley counties, drought was also reportedly very concerning without any significant moisture received thus far. Statewide, livestock were noted to be in good condition in many areas due to milder winter conditions. As of January 29, 2018, snowpack in was at 61 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. DELAWARE: For the month of January the maximum registered temperature was 69°F (recorded in Georgetown, DE) and the minimum was 0°F (recorded in Georgetown, DE). Instances of precipitation ranged from 0 to 11 days across the State with a maximum of 2.99 inches of precipitation. Weather conditions were conducive to emergence and slight growth of barley, winter wheat, cover crops, and other commodity small grains. Overall freezing cold temperatures, precipitation, and a lack of soil moisture slowed crop progress in January. Some reporters were concerned that orchard crops had been damaged due to these poor weather conditions. Farmers are preparing for the next growing season. Activities for the month included animal maintenance, ordering seed and fertilizer, repairing and cleaning up equipment, tax planning, and attending programs. FLORIDA: Dry conditions were experienced throughout much of the State in January. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, many counties in the Panhandle remain in a moderate to severe drought. Some cover crops were planted at the beginning of the month. Toward the end of January, a few producers reported planting oats and rye as wind breaks for melons. Pasture quality declined steadily throughout the month. Livestock producers were feeding supplements due to the poor pasture conditions. Cattle condition remained mostly good, but began a gradual decline toward the end of the month. Unseasonably cold temperatures in the middle of the month caused minor damage to some vegetable crops in southern Florida. Vegetable growers began preparing land for spring crops. Producers harvested a wide variety of crops this month, including avocado, beans, celery, collards, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, and zucchini. Citrus grove operations were normal for this time of the year. Fresh harvest of early tangerines and Navel oranges finished for the season by the end of the month. White and red grapefruit were going mostly to the export market. Processing plants were taking packinghouse eliminations and processing field run on early and mid-season oranges. Grove work included minimal spraying and harvesting. Growers continued irrigation practices throughout the month. GEORGIA: Total rainfall for the month ranged from 0.5 inches in Butts County to 8.9 inches in Rabun County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the percentage of the State in a moderate drought increased 15 percentage points to 55 percent in January. Eighteen percent of the State moved into the severe drought category. Average temperatures were below normal for the month. Small grains, pastures, and hayfields were in fair to good condition, but their development was delayed from cold temperatures and minimal precipitation. Pest pressure was negligible overall. Livestock condition was good, but animals were stressed by cold weather. Hay quantities were sufficient, but depleting quickly because of impeded growth of winter grazing. Cold weather injured onion foliage in many fields. Vegetables sustained mild to significant freeze damage. Fruit and nut crops were on track to accumulate enough chilling hours for the season. Field activities included harrowing, tilling, applying chemicals for pest management and soil fertility, burning hayfields, and laying beds for watermelons and vegetables. HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE IDAHO: For the month of January, the highest temperature registered was 57 degrees Fahrenheit in the southwest region, and the lowest temperature registered was -3 degrees Fahrenheit in the eastern region. Precipitation ranged from 4 to 17 days across the State. The highest precipitation was 5.45 inches within 14 days in Northern Idaho. Conditions varied across regions for the month of January. In the northern region, crops looked good. There was snow and rain, with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the southwest region, there was excellent weather for calving, which was progressing well. However, the region was dry this winter, below 50% of normal precipitation with limited amounts of agriculture and crop activity. In the south central region, producers hauled manure to fields and took care of livestock. Livestock producers had not needed nearly the amount of bedding and feed as last winter. The winter had been very mild and dry. Water supply looked good for this year due to storage and carryover. In the southeast region, the weather continued to be mild in Bear Lake County. Snowfall amounts were minimal with less than a foot of snow on the ground in most parts of the county. The Lost River Valley received very little in the form of moisture this winter. Calving was off to a good start this year with warmer temperatures and lack of snow. Lower snow pack levels in the valley assisted with feeding livestock. ILLINOIS: For the week ending January 28, topsoil moisture was 5% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 6% very short, 33% short, 60% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 7% very poor, 11% poor, 44% fair, 35% good, 3% excellent. Statewide, temperatures for the month of January averaged 23.7 degrees, 1.0 degree below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.31 inches, 0.41 inches below normal. There is little to no snow cover throughout the State. Primary activities included livestock care, hauling grain, and equipment maintenance. INDIANA: Topsoil moisture for the month of January was 1% very short, 5% short, 69% adequate, and 25% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month of January was 2% very short, 8% short, 72% adequate, and 18% surplus. Winter wheat condition for the month of January rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 31% fair, 53% good, and 9% excellent. Statewide temperatures averaged 23.9 degrees, 2.1 degrees below normal for the month of January. Statewide average precipitation was 2.13 inches, 0.07 inches below normal. January brought temperatures fluctuating between extreme colds and unusually warm weather. Freezing temperatures, harsh wind chill, and several reports of ice storms caused concerns regarding winter wheat conditions, and there have been reports of tip burn in some fields. The brief period of warm temperatures during the middle of the month melted the protective snow cover exacerbating the concern. Fluctuating temperatures and extreme cold have also been hard on livestock, creating a need for extra bedding and resulting in muddy conditions during thaws. Feed and hay have been readily available and supplies remain adequate. Farmers have kept busy hauling stored grain, attending winter meetings and farm shows, participating in pesticide trainings, preparing equipment purchasing supplies for spring planting, and working on taxes. IOWA: Iowa experienced extreme low temperatures at the beginning of January to unusual high temperatures by the end of the month. Temperatures across the State ranged from -20 to 50+ degrees. There has been little to no snow cover on the ground for most of the month. Northwest Iowa is the only part of the State that received blizzard like conditions on January 22, and received up to 18 inches of snow in some areas. Activities for the month included hauling grain, hauling manure, and general maintenance preparing for the spring. Grain movement in January was mostly light with hopes grain prices will improve. Fluctuations in temperatures were hard on livestock and caused some health issues. Producers also had to increase feed rations to livestock to help gain weight and give extra energy to cattle during the colder days. Overall, hay supplies remain adequate except in south central and southeastern Iowa which experienced drought conditions last year. As temperatures increased at the end of month, snow and frozen soil began to melt causing muddy feedlots. KANSAS: For the month of January 2018, topsoil moisture was 35% very short, 44% short, 19% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 22% very short, 48% short, 30% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 10% very poor, 34% poor, 42% fair, 13% good, and 1% excellent. KENTUCKY: January brought below normal temperatures and precipitation for most of the month. Extremely cold temperatures to start the month gave way to a brief warm up. Temperatures dropped back down in the middle of the month bringing a mix of snow and ice. The last part of the month saw milder conditions and rain. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported abnormally dry conditions on the Eastern border of the State throughout January. Temperatures for the month averaged 31 degrees, 2 degrees below normal. Precipitation for the month totaled 2.32 inches, 1.07 inches below normal. Continued frigid temperatures through most of January caused some tobacco farmers to struggle getting the crop in case for stripping. The amount of tobacco stripped was 90%, compared to 79% last month, and 95% for January 2017. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 1% very poor, 2% poor, 43% fair, 50% good, and 4% excellent. Due to the winter weather, farmers had to feed more hay than normal at this juncture, but supplies are still mostly adequate. Hay and roughage supplies reported as 2% very short, 9% short, 81% adequate, and 8% surplus. Livestock conditions were rated as 1% very poor, 3% poor, 18% fair, 70% good, and 8% excellent. LOUISIANA: The month of January was extremely cold with wet weather conditions. The recent severe winter weather event across Louisiana left much uncertainty related to crop damage. Temperatures reached highs in the teens and the duration of the freeze had not been experienced in this area since 1989. Fields were wet and had cold soil temperatures. Crops potentially affected were sugarcane, wheat, and crawfish. Livestock producers probably suffered the greatest loss as newborn calves born during this period could not sustain the cold conditions and several were lost. Winter ryegrass for cattle grazing has winter freeze injury, which delayed grazing. Hay supplies were short to start the winter feeding period and many producers are running out, with forty-five critical days remaining before spring conditions could arrive. Although this has been a hard winter, livestock is in good to fair condition with several animals showing noticeable weight lost. Crawfish catches have been slow due to cold water issues. Rice growers are planning to drain fields in mid-February to begin March planting intentions. Citrus trees, fig and other cold sensitive fruits appear to have experienced some damage from the recent freezes. MARYLAND: For the month of January the maximum registered temperature was 71°F (recorded in Sharpsburg, MD) and the minimum was -11°F (recorded in Sines Deep Creek, MD). Instances of precipitation ranged from 0 to 11 days across the State with a maximum of 3.42 inches of precipitation. Weather conditions were conducive to emergence and slight growth of hay, winter wheat, cover crops, and other commodity small grains. Freezing temperatures and low soil moisture conditions resulted in damage to cover crops. However, the last few days of the reporting period improved crop progress with temperatures at about 50°F and recent rainfall. Reporters also indicated milk production decreased due to a drop in temperatures but quickly recovered after weather improved. Activities for the month included animal maintenance, ordering seed and fertilizer, repairing and cleaning up equipment, tax planning, and attending programs. MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture for the month of January was 1% short, 82% adequate, 17% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month of January was 6% short, 87% adequate, 7% surplus. Winter wheat condition for the month of January was 2% very poor, 2% poor, 23% fair, 60% good, 13% excellent. The year was off to a cold and snowy start, with a deep freeze and 20 below wind chills. Temperatures fluctuated causing an unusual thaw throughout the month of January. Above normal temperatures during the second half of January resulted in a loss of snow cover leaving winter wheat and alfalfa fields unprotected from the cold weather. This caused slight crop damage in parts of the State. The cold weather early in the month was hard on the livestock and caused a few losses in the northern region of the State. There have been no reports of a negative impact on the fruit as of yet. MINNESOTA: Preliminary temperatures for the month averaged 11.7 degrees, 0.2 degrees above average. Statewide preliminary average precipitation was 0.87 inches, 0.15 inches above normal. The year started out cold with many areas reporting 15 to 20 degrees colder than normal. There were nighttime temperatures in the Twin Cities below zero throughout the first week. Overall temperatures during the first two weeks were 4 to 6 degrees cooler than average. Temperatures then climbed into the 40's in many areas with a snowstorm on January 22 bringing significant snowfall across southern Minnesota. So far this month Statewide there has been a lack of snow cover which concerned reporters about possible wind erosion and winter kill. MISSISSIPPI: Much like the month of December, January continued with cold, dry conditions and little rain in sight. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the central portion of the State is now suffering from a severe drought, while the north-western and southern portion is classified as moderate and abnormally dry. Very little field activity took place as most growers are making decisions as to which crop they will plant this year. Some livestock producers reported shortages of hay due to the unexpected winter weather. During mid-month, temperatures improved as the State averaged 44.5 degrees and received 2.01 inches of sporadic rainfall. Although winter grazing for livestock suffered damage due to the negative impact of cold weather, milder temperatures provided some relief to livestock producers and pastures. Temperatures remained steady towards the end of the month, with the State averaging 49.7 degrees, as fluctuating weather conditions remained challenging. The possibility of damaged or halted growth of winter annuals continue to be a major concern for several livestock producers. Overall, producers are hoping for little rainfall accompanied by some extended sunshine; however, another cold front is fast approaching. MISSOURI: For the week ending 28 Jan 2018, topsoil moisture was 9% very short, 42% short, 45% adequate, 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 16% very short, 37% short, 44% adequate, 3% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies were 5% very short, 22% short, 71% adequate, 2% surplus. Stock water supplies were 8% very short, 32% short, 60% adequate, 0 surplus. Winter wheat condition was 1% very poor, 11% poor, 58% fair, 29% good, 1% excellent. Conditions overall were cold and dry with moisture accumulations varying greatly in Andrew and Buchanan counties. Stock water levels were generally low with some freezing. Livestock have fared well in the dry conditions. MONTANA: Topsoil moisture for the month of January was 7% very short, 21% short, 64% adequate, 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month was 9% very short, 30% short, 54% adequate, 7% surplus. For the month of January, winter wheat - wind damage was 86% none 12% light, 2% moderate, 0% heavy. Winter wheat - freeze and drought damage 85% none, 12% light, 3% moderate, 0% heavy for the month. Winter wheat - protectiveness of snow cover for the month was 6% very poor, 12% poor, 24% fair, 38% good, 20% excellent. Livestock grazing accessibility for the month of January was -24% open, 38% difficult, 38% closed. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for the month was as follows - cattle and calves 96% fed, 96% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - sheep and lambs 98% fed, 97% last year. The month of January was predominately cold and snowy for much of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. High temperatures ranged from the low 30s to the mid-50s. Low temperatures ranged from the teens to -42 degrees in Circle and Scobey. 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 4.88 inches of moisture. Brockway, Cut Bank, and Harlowton were the only stations that did not report any precipitation. Topsoil moisture conditions were 72 percent adequate to surplus which is above last year's 67 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions are 61 percent adequate to surplus which is well below last year's 82 percent. Winter freeze and wind damage to winter wheat remains low despite icy conditions reported in central areas of the State; with 85 percent of reporters observing no freeze and drought damage, and 86 percent reporting no wind damage. Snow coverage for the State is rated 58 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent at this time last year. Reporters did note that high winds in the Park county area caused some evaporation of the snow cover. Winter wheat condition is rated 66 percent good to excellent, compared with 70 percent last year. Pasture and range conditions improved from the last report with 16 percent rated good to excellent, compared to 12 percent last month. Livestock producers are providing supplemental feed at similar rates as the previous year at this time with 96 percent of cattle and 98 percent of sheep being fed. Reporters noted that ice jam warnings along the Missouri River had ranchers moving livestock to higher ground in Broadwater County. NEBRASKA: For the entire month of January 2018, topsoil moisture measured at 4% very short, 28% short, 66% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 5% very short, 30% short, 64% adequate, and 1 surplus. Winter wheat condition was 1% very poor, 7% poor, 44% fair, 40% good, 8% excellent. NEVADA: For the week ending January 28, topsoil moisture was 20% very short, 50% short, 30% adequate. Subsoil moisture was 25% very short, 55% short, 20% adequate. Pasture and range condition was 15% very poor, 25% poor, 55% fair, 5% good. Temperatures began to rise during January. Moisture was well below last year's record. Weather condition has been dry for the past month which was expected for this time of year across the State. Little field work started including calving, feeding, and planning. Livestock was in good condition. Cattle remained down in lower pastures as calving season was beginning. NEW ENGLAND: Regional monthly temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal from historical averages. Monthly precipitation ranged from 0.97 to 9.76 inches throughout the region. New England States' experienced extremely cold temperatures during the first half of January with snowy conditions. However, from the middle through the end of January temperatures shifted to warmer conditions with heavier rainfall, leading to icy conditions and reports of flooding. Many peach growers are concerned that the blistering cold temperatures earlier in the month may have caused early crop damage to trees and may negatively impact yields for the 2018 growing season. Likewise, cranberry growers are worried that below average water tables and extremely cold weather may have damaged vines. Reports indicate aquaculturists' experienced shellfish loss due to ice damage. Ice dams caused rivers and streams to flood in many New England areas. Farmers have been proactive in trying to prevent flood damage to their fields, equipment and homesteads. Operations continue to provide much of their focus to farm and equipment maintenance to combat the cold. NEW JERSEY: Temperatures have been variable over the last month with some very cold temperatures as low as -9 degrees, and highs reaching the mid-60s. In central New Jersey, weather was erratic with swings in daytime temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to 50 degrees in relatively short spans of time. Some honey bee colonies are light, requiring feeding. Cold can cause honey to crystalize. Growers are starting to seed in greenhouses for early spring transplanting. Day-length is now over 10 hours, thus more greenhouses will be started. Farmers are working around snow cover and mud, but some fields are sufficiently dry to be tilled. Wine grape pruning is ongoing. Orchards are preparing to start pruning. South Jersey is mostly quiet with focus on repairs and maintenance. Farm planning for annuals is ongoing. Pruning is being done in poly-houses. In North Jersey hay sales for equine are ongoing. Growers are pre-taking orders with general optimism for the industry. Any damage from the cold is still to be determined, but certainly fuel costs have increased. NEW MEXICO: The following is for the entire month of January. Topsoil moisture 29% very short, 56% short, 14% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 17% very short, 62% short, 21% adequate. Pecans harvested 95%, 89% December, 55% last year. Winter wheat condition 7% very poor, 55% poor, 28% fair, 9% good, 1% excellent. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 87%, 73% December, 84% last year. Cattle condition 4% poor, 53% fair, 40% good, 3% excellent. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 67%, 63% December, 76% last year. Sheep and lamb condition 1% very poor, 7% poor, 41% fair, 51% good. Hay and roughage supplies 2% very short, 16% short, 77% adequate, 5% surplus. Stock water supplies 13% very short, 27% short, 60% adequate. The New Year began with very little precipitation for the month of January, with every station that reported recording below normal rainfall for the year. In fact for this 28 day period, 10 out of the 45 weather stations reported no precipitation. Of the stations that accumulated precipitation during the month, only one station reported more than an inch of rain. Average temperatures ranged from -7 degrees below normal to 5 degrees above normal. While moisture was received in some areas during the first part of the year, extremely dry conditions were reported across the State. Daytime highs varied from 52 degrees at Chama to 79 degrees at Clayton. Overnight lows ranged from -18 degrees at Angel Fire to 22 degrees at New Mexico State University. Statewide, winter wheat condition continued to deteriorate since the end of December, with 10 percent reported as good to excellent, compared with 27 percent for December, and 8 percent last year. Comments from the Northeast part of the State noted drought like conditions and stress to wheat due to lack of moisture. In Union County, cattle were reported grazing native grass, corn hay grazer, and sorghum stocks as well as wheat. Native grass conditions in this county ranged from fair to good but were reported to be extremely dry with no measurable precipitation received for the last 100 days. Roosevelt and San Miguel Counties also reported extremely dry conditions. In Rio Arriba County, reporters noted that ranchers were getting ready for calving. In Luna County some rain was received and helped with soil conditions, however a lack of enough moisture had left water tanks dry. Reports in Lea County stated that conditions are getting extremely dry with range fires being reported. Supplemental feeding continued to be needed especially in dry areas where native grasses were already deteriorated. NEW YORK: January weather conditions overall were described as very cold in most areas with record snowfall; however, there were a few areas that weren't as cold. The average range was 5 degrees above normal to 7 degrees below normal throughout the State. Total precipitation ranged from 1.36 to 6.13 inches. Only a few areas reported a lack of snow coverage and were concerned about wheat fields due to snowmobiles and geese. Some ice caused blockages that led to flooding during melt. Dairy farmers reported frozen pipes. Orchardists began pruning. NORTH CAROLINA: For the week ending January 28, topsoil moisture was 1% very short, 7% short, 57% adequate and 35% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 13% short, 63% adequate and 24% surplus. Barley condition was 8% poor, 17% fair, 73% good and 2% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies were 13% short, 86% adequate and 1% surplus. Oats condition was 2% poor, 46% fair and 52% good. Pasture and range condition was 2% very poor, 27% poor, 36% fair, 34% good and 1% excellent. Winter wheat condition was 3% poor, 24% fair, 70% good and 3% excellent. For the month of January some extremely cold conditions were experienced throughout the State. Cold wave first half of January with more normal temperatures second half of month 2-3 of rainfall month, which is below normal. Basically a colder and drier month than average. The snow helped and now the farmers are receiving much needed rain to fill the irrigation ponds for summer. Irrigation ponds and creeks are still low, but may rise after more rainfall. Winter wheat has been recovering from the previous week's freeze. NORTH DAKOTA: For the month of January 2018, topsoil moisture was rated 12% very short, 34% short, 53% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 12% very short, 37% short, 50% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 3% very poor, 12% poor, 48% fair, 34% good, 3% excellent. Cattle and calf conditions were 0% very poor, 2% poor, 20% fair, 67% good, 11% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss was 0% heavy, 61% average, 39% light. Calving progress was 3%. Sheep and lamb conditions were 0% very poor, 3% poor, 15% fair, 72% good, 10% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss was 0% heavy, 54% average, 46% light. Hay and roughage supplies were 7% very short, 29% short, 62% adequate, 2% surplus. Stock water supplies were 6% very short, 21% short, 71% adequate, 2% surplus. OHIO: Topsoil moisture for the month of January was, 2% short, 64% adequate, and 34% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month was, 3% short, 70% adequate, 27% surplus. Winter wheat condition for the month of January was rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 21% fair, 63% good, and 13% excellent. The January Statewide average temperature was 24.7 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 2.40 inches Statewide, which was 0.08 inches above normal for the month of January. Extremely cold weather at the end of December continued through the beginning of January. Midway through the month and toward the end precipitation decreased and temperatures increased. Large temperature fluctuations throughout the month caused freezing then re-thawing of soils. Cold, wet, muddy conditions continue. Winter wheat is doing well in the cold temperatures. Sporadic snowfall throughout the month provided some winter wheat cover. There were some reports of heaving of alfalfa and winter wheat but conditions remain steady. Livestock is doing well despite cold conditions. OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma experienced extremely dry weather during the month. According to OCS Mesonet, the drought extended to nearly 120 days. The Statewide average precipitation for the full month of January is 0.52 inches. As of January 23rd, 15 percent of the State was in the extreme to exceptional drought categories up 11 points from the previous year and 53 percent of the State was in the severe to exceptional drought categories, up 22 points from the previous year. This was the most area rated in drought categories since April 2, 2013. Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 30's, with the lowest recording of -8 degree at Miami on Wednesday, January 17th and the highest recording of 79 degrees at Goodwell on Saturday, January 20th. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly very short to short. OREGON: The Statewide temperature differential for the month of December ranged from 1 degree below to 8 degrees above normal. A low temperature was reported at 8 degrees Fahrenheit in the south central region. A high temperature was reported at 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the southern coastal region. January weather in Oregon was a continuation from December of warmer than normal winter weather. Average amounts of cumulative precipitation fell in the northern coastal region and Willamette Valley. The rest of the State was dryer than normal. Statewide, the mild temperatures produced ideal conditions for calving. Compared to last year, this winter is noticeably milder. No reports of crop damage so far. The northern coastal region observed some grass growth and improved pasture conditions on fields with adequate drainage. In Yamhill County, hazelnuts were full of catkins. Fall- seeded grain crops did well in this region. In Columbia County, winter chill requirements were largely met increasing the vulnerability of woody crops if cold temperatures set in going forward. Crops and livestock looked good in north central Oregon. Wheat and pasture conditions were in good shape in Morrow and Sherman counties. Spring calving started in the northeast region and multiple producers reported similar crop conditions to what was observed in 2017. Southwestern Oregon reported continued drier and warmer than normal weather conditions. Weather year precipitation was well below 2014 drought year levels in Coos and Curry counties. Douglas County cumulative precipitation about was 60% of normal. The mild temperatures allowed cover crops, fall seeded grain, and grass seed crops to establish well. One concern was the lack of days with freezing temperatures to help control overwintering invasive insect pests--specifically risk of early populations of Spotted Wing Drosophila and Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs and their development and feeding cycles. Berry and tree fruit producers may face that challenge this year. Below normal snowpack was reported in Jackson County. Wolf kill of calves was also reported in this area. In southeastern Oregon, livestock did well in mild and below normal precipitation conditions. PENNSYLVANIA: Temperatures ranged from a high of 69 degrees to a low of - 19 degrees. Statewide temperatures averaged 21 degrees. The temperatures for the most part have been warmer than normal. Very little snow mix with some rain and no reports of any crop damage to this point. All crops harvested. Mild temperatures kept producers and employees pruning and busy with other work activities around the farm. Producers are taking advantage of warm weather to do lime and manure application, attending meetings, and getting machinery fixed up. SOUTH CAROLINA: Total rainfall for the month ranged from 0.4 inches in Edgefield County to 8.9 inches in Oconee County. Total snowfall ranged from trace amounts in Greenwood County to 8.0 inches in Berkeley County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the percentage of the State in a moderate drought remained around 22 percent throughout January. Average temperatures were below normal for the month. Small grains, pastures, and hayfields were in fair to good condition, but their development was delayed by cold temperatures. Livestock condition was good. Hay quantities were sufficient. Vegetables and winter greens sustained mild to significant freeze damage, so producers plowed some fields under. Fruit and nut crops were on track to accumulate enough chilling hours for the season. Field activities included harrowing, tilling, and applying chemicals for weed management and soil fertility. SOUTH DAKOTA: The following conditions were reported for the month of January, topsoil moisture 24% very short, 40% short, 36% adequate, 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture 24% very short, 38% short, 38% adequate, 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition 9% very poor, 12% poor, 55% fair, 24% good, and 0% excellent. TENNESSEE: For week ending January 28, 2018, topsoil moisture was 5% short, 63% adequate, 32% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 6% short, 70% adequate, 24% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 1% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 59% good, 12% excellent. Pasture and Range condition was 4% very poor, 14% poor, 40% fair, 36% good, 6% excellent. Cattle condition was 1% very poor, 4% poor, 25% fair, 57% good, 13% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies were 1% very short, 7% short, 79% adequate, 13% surplus. Tennessee experienced snow, ice, and sustained subfreezing temperatures in January with generally adequate to good soil moisture levels, but some areas of the State report needing rainfall. Sustained inclement weather may have caused some injury to winter wheat and pasture grasses. The current pasture conditions have declined from last month and are mostly poor to fair. Cattle condition is currently fair to good with some increased feeding due to the cold weather. Hay and roughage supplies remain adequate to surplus. TEXAS: Unusually cold weather affected the entire State, causing freeze damage in many areas. The Plains, the Cross Timbers, the Trans-Pecos, the Edwards Plateau, and areas of South Texas and the Lower Valley received little to no precipitation. The rest of the State received between 1 and 6 inches of rain, with isolated areas of the Upper Coast getting upwards of 10 inches. Due to the lack of precipitation, the drought levels in the Plains range from severe to extreme. The freeze damage combined with low moisture, severely affected many small grain fields, lowering the availability of grazing for livestock. Stocks of available hay and water tank levels have been reduced due to dry conditions. UTAH: This report for Utah is for the entire month of January. Topsoil moisture 14% very short, 25% short, 60% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 13% very short, 38% short, 49% adequate, 0% surplus. Pasture and range condition 7% very poor, 15% poor, 42% fair, 36% good, 0% excellent. Winter wheat condition 9% very poor, 18% poor, 51% fair, 20% good, 2% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 4% short, 81% adequate, 15% surplus. Stock water supplies 6% very short, 24% short, 70% adequate, 0% surplus. Cattle and calves condition 0% very poor, 1% poor, 14% fair, 76% good, 9% excellent. Sheep and lambs condition 0% very poor, 2% poor, 24% fair, 67% good, 7% excellent. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 84%, 84% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 60%, 80% last year. Cows calved 6%, 3% last year. Ewes lambed-farm flock 4%, 4% last year. January was still very dry with only one storm and snow pack below normal levels. Box Elder County reports a very dry, warm winter with little precipitation. Sevier County reports exceptionally dry conditions, causing planted small grains to barely germinate. Grand County reports very dry conditions both in valleys and on mountains. Beaver County reports livestock doing well, but snowpack and soil moisture are poor. Iron County reports very dry conditions lately, although a storm last week temporarily improved conditions. Garfield and Kane Counties report very dry and mild winter with low snow pack. VIRGINIA: For week ending January 28, 2018, topsoil moisture was 7% very short, 22% short, 67% adequate, 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 14% very short, 32% short, 53% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 4% poor, 35% fair, 50% good, 11% excellent. Barley condition was 13% poor, 32% fair, 47% good, 8% excellent. Livestock condition was 2% very poor, 5% poor, 43% fair, 46% good, 4% excellent. Pasture and Range condition was 6% very poor, 22% poor, 48% fair, 22% good, 2% excellent. Hay supplies were 2% very short, 20% short, 74% adequate, 4% surplus. Percent of feed obtained from pastures was 12%. Virginia experienced below normal precipitation and varied temperatures overall in January. The beginning of the month saw well below average temperatures with temperatures increasing significantly in the second week and dropping again near the end of the month. The dry and cold weather caused stress on pastures and hay supplies. Hay and roughage supplies were mostly short to adequate. Primary activities for the month included equipment maintenance and purchasing seed and fertilizer. WASHINGTON: January was warmer than usual for the state. Most of the state received excessive rain while only a few regions received snow, most of which were at higher altitudes. Some regions in the west reported up to 11.10 inches of rain, with most of the west reporting at least an extra inch of rain than usual. Most of the remaining parts of the State received excess rain as well, with some parts in the east reporting more than 2 inches of extra precipitation than expected. The excess rain and mild temperatures brought a large amount of standing water, causing excessive pooling and erosion. Some areas were at risk for landslides. While there were some concerns the warmer and wetter than usual conditions would increase germination, most operations welcomed the conditions for providing better working and growing conditions. Crops remained dormant in the cool, wet conditions. Some berry and orchard operations were pruned. Livestock operations entered the calving season. Mortality rates for newborn livestock were lower than last year. Winter wheat began to emerge in some areas. While there was limited snow cover, winter wheat and other crops looked good. Overall, the State experienced a warmer and wetter winter, with very few instances of freezing and extreme cold. WEST VIRGINIA: For the week ending January 28, topsoil moisture was 2% very short, 25% short, 62% adequate, 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 2% very short, 23% short, 74% adequate, 1% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies were 4% short, 87% adequate, 9% surplus. Feed grain supplies were 1%, 98% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition was 4% poor, 33% fair, 54% good, 9% excellent. Cattle and calves condition was 2% poor, 7% fair, 81% good, 10% excellent. Sheep and lambs condition was 1% poor, 5% fair, 89% good, 5% excellent. West Virginia experienced varied temperatures and precipitation in January. Farming activities for the month included equipment maintenance, planning for the next crop season, feeding livestock, and keeping water unfrozen for livestock. WISCONSIN: January temperatures at the five major weather stations ranged from 0.3 degrees below normal to 3.2 degrees above normal. Average highs ranged from 23.4 degrees in Eau Claire to 31.8 degrees in Milwaukee, while average lows ranged from 4.5 to 17.1 degrees in those same cities respectively. Precipitation averaged from 1.01 inches in Green Bay to 1.68 inches in Madison. Eau Claire received the most total snowfall out of the major cities with 13.1 inches. Green Bay received the least, with 4.8 inches of snow for the month. January had periods of extreme cold ranging from 23 to 25 degrees below normal and periods averaging 21 degrees above normal. There were some reports of corn still in the fields to be harvested. Late corn harvest moisture levels are high with some at 20 percent. Moisture supplies and snow cover reported adequate for the northern part of the State while the southern parts are reporting dry and cold conditions with concerns of winterkill. WYOMING: These ratings are for the month of January 2018. Topsoil moisture 10% very short, 31% short, 59% adequate. Subsoil moisture 14% very short, 30% short, 55% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 8% very poor, 16% poor, 53% fair, 19% good, 4% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 2% very short, 10% short, 76% adequate, 12% surplus. Livestock condition 2% poor, 20% fair, 75% good, 3% excellent. Stock water supplies 8% very short, 14% short, 75% adequate, 3% surplus. Pasture and range condition 6% very poor, 14% poor, 41% fair, 38% good, 1% excellent. Cows calved 2%, 2017 1%. Ewes lambed 2%, 2017 1%. Lambing and calving have begun. Winter wheat condition is mostly good to fair and pasture and range is rated mostly fair. Temperature and precipitation levels have been mostly above average. 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 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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