Crop Progress - State Stories ISSN: 2470-9816 Released January 31, 2017, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ALABAMA: With much needed rainfall occurring throughout January, the drought has finally lessened for the vast majority of the State. According to the latest United States Drought Monitor, only 2.3% of the State now remains in the severe category, which is down from 23.3% of the area in the week of January 3, 2017. Recent rainfall has water supplies returning to normal levels. Late planted small grains and winter grazing are in fair to good condition and have been filling out with the increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. Pastures are also greening and mostly fair, however not yet at a level to sustain livestock herds. Cattle are in fair condition as they recover from the stress brought on by the drought and marginal grazing of this past summer and fall. Hay supplies are steadily decreasing and hay will continue to be brought in from neighboring States until pastures are fully restored. Farmers hope to gain enough soil moisture for spring plantings. Average mean temperatures for the month ranged from 48°F in Moulton to 58°F in Mobile. Precipitation estimates for the month ranged from 3.05 inches in Gadsden in the northeast to 16.29 inches in Chatom in the southwest. ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE ARIZONA: At the beginning of the month, temperatures across Arizona were mostly above normal but at the end of the month of January the temperatures in almost all 52 stations were below normal. The temperature extremes for January were a high of 83°F in Sahuarita and a low of -17°F at the Grand Canyon. Zero of the 52 reporting stations finished the year with above normal precipitation. Heber had the lowest percent of normal precipitation at 61 and Parker finished the highest with 240% of normal precipitation. Barley planted acres was virtually over 70% by the end of the month with 25% emerged. Durum wheat was virtually over 60% at the end of the month with 24% emerged. ARKANSAS: The month of January saw wet weather which has the ground saturated. The livestock conditions are good. Temperatures have been warmer than normal which has caused some early greening of the land as well as some worry about pest. Wheat crops are in fair condition and livestock producers are still feeding hay to cattle. Farmers still performing maintenance to equipment. CALIFORNIA: January started wet and chilly across the State. Most of the State was soggy through the first week, with most areas in the central/northern valley receiving three to five inches of rain, coastal areas north of Monterey saw 2 to 4 inches of rain, and coastal areas further south saw one to two inches of rain. A continued abundance of moisture across the State for much of the second week of January tapered off over the weekend as the upper-level trough pulled away to the east with surface high pressure building over the western United States. Temperatures were fairly consistent, but cooled slightly as a drier air mass settled over the State. The final week of January brought warmer and drier conditions, due to a stopping of the Pineapple Express coupled with a retreat of the persistent upper-level trough that had been present over the western region. Widespread showers fell on most of the State on Monday. Snow packs in the mountains continue to be in very good shape, maintaining cover. The beginning of the month saw crop fields being prepared and planted for winter wheat and barley forage. Rains greatly benefited the growth of already planted grains and field crops, but slowed future planting. As the month continued ground preparations continued to be hindered, with low spots in fields showing stress from standing water. Growers continued to implement frost protection measures for new fruit plantings, as well as removing older orchards to plant new varieties in drier locations. Rains slowed Navel orange and Satsuma mandarin harvests. Nut orchards continued to be pruned and the brush shredded as weather conditions permitted, however, most post-harvest filed activities were halted due to the heavy rains and standing water. Some almond and walnut orchards were impacted by falling trees due to strong winds and the saturated ground. Winter vegetables continued to mature ideally. Tomato fields were being prepped for planting. Broccoli harvest for seed continued. Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland greened up considerably due to recent rains. Range was reported to be primarily in fair to good condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued, and standing water and flooding continued to impact some valley pasture and dairies. Sheep grazed in idle fields and dormant alfalfa fields. Bees continued to be brought into the State in preparation for the bloom season. Bee keepers continued to feed their hives to compensate for the lack of blooming vegetation. COLORADO: Topsoil moisture 10% very short, 25% short, 62% adequate, 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 34% short, 55% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition 5% very poor, 16% poor, 43% fair, 33% good, 3% excellent. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 66% good, 10% excellent. Pasture and range condition 1% very poor, 11% poor, 56% fair, 28% good, 4% excellent. Weather conditions during January brought greatest amounts of seasonal snowfall to the Front Range and western districts, where reported snow cover is excellent. Counties in eastern districts also received much needed moisture in areas. Reporters in these counties noted conditions are still concerning in locations that did not receive as much precipitation. Winter wheat stands without adequate cover or protection remain behind due to persistent dry conditions seen earlier in the season. Livestock are in mostly good condition with adequate feed supplies. As of January 30, 2017, snowpack was at 155% measured and percent of median snowfall. DELAWARE: For the month of January, maximum registered temperature was 70°F with minimum of 10°F. There were 19 instances of precipitation with near maximum of 0.71 inch of rain in a single day with total accumulation of 2-3.5+ inches for the month. The weather conditions, to some extent, contributed to pasture and cover crop growth. No major health issues was reported to livestock. No freeze kill has occurred to the tillage radishes that were planted yet to date. January goes in the books as one of the mildest winter month, with morning-time foggy episodes and cloudy skies. Other than farming, activities for the month included taking soil samples, repairing equipment, purchasing supplies, general paperwork, planning, pricing inputs for 2017, and attending workshops and expositions. FLORIDA: January started mostly warm and dry. Cooler night time temperatures were reported for only a few nights toward the last week of the month. Dry conditions remained prevalent throughout the month, with only the Panhandle and northern counties receiving any significant rainfall. By the end of the month, these areas were free of abnormally dry conditions. Farmers were able to plant some cover crops toward the end of the month, and some haylage harvesting activities were reported as well. Sugarcane harvest continued on schedule in Broward, Glades, Hendry, and Palm Beach Counties. A wide variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and sweet corn were harvested across Florida and brought to market. Pastures continued to decline in quality and quantity throughout the month, with most cattle producers using supplemental feeding. The cattle remained in mostly fair to good condition. Mid-season orange harvest activities continues throughout the month. Grapefruit shipments were strong through the month, with internal quality holding well. Honey and royal tangerines were harvested for the fresh market. Grove work included irrigating, mowing, spraying, fertilizing. Caretakers were replacing unproductive trees and taking care of healthy older trees and resets with various types of fertilization programs. Bloom began Statewide. GEORGIA: January brought a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Regular rain events resulted in total Statewide rainfall between 3.6 inches and 13.2 inches for the month. According to the United States Drought Monitor, 73.5% of the State was in a moderate to severe drought on January 3rd, but the percentage declined to 36.2 by January 24th. The central and southern regions of the State saw 2 severe storm systems that contained heavy rains, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and hail. The severe storms damaged buildings, equipment, pivots, grain bins, pecan orchards and pine timber, but minimally affected livestock and field crops. Many farmers were busy with debris clean up as opposed to field preparation. The central and southern regions received rain as much as 8 inches above normal for the month. The rains left some fields flooded and others eroded, further delaying field preparation. Groundwater supplies and subsoil moisture were replenished in the southern half of State, but the northern half continued to show signs of drought. During January, average temperatures were 6 to 10 degrees above normal, and crops were behind on chilling hours. The mild temperatures and showers helped green up fescue and encouraged ryegrass growth in drought-stressed pastures, but neither forages were providing much grazing. With hay in very short supply, livestock producers were still rationing hay to make it last through the winter. Late-planted small grains looked good and responded positively to the mild temperatures, but were way behind normal since most of them did not germinate or come up until early to mid-December due to the dry fall. Some farmers were able to start soil testing and lime applications. Blueberries began to break bud ahead of historical trends. The warmer weather promoted onion growth, with little signs of damage from storms or freezing temperatures. Overall, winter vegetables were in good condition, but some crops were damaged by a freeze. Livestock condition was fair to good. HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE IDAHO: January brought record levels of snow and many days of below zero temperatures to the State. Areas from all over were snow covered at most elevations. Open ground was just beginning to appear in the lowest elevations. Average temperatures ranged from 11 to 4 degrees below normal. The deep snow caused deer, elk and wild turkeys to enter domestic livestock areas and comingle with livestock in search of food. Wildlife consuming livestock feed and hay stores was a problem in many areas. The snow and cold weather had the ranchers feeding more hay and keeping a close eye on the animals. The unusually deep and drifting snow in the southeast valleys made feeding livestock more challenging. Calving season was well underway. The weather made calving a bit tough with some areas reporting a higher than average calf mortality. In spite of the harsh conditions, most areas reported cattle were faring well. Heavy snow in the southern regions caused some agricultural structures to collapse including barns, outbuildings, and potato cellars. The extreme weather paired with slick roads made doing business difficult for many farmers when transporting grain and selling commodities. Good snowpack had farmers optimistic about the water outlook for the coming season. The snowfall helped the aquifer levels and people were more than optimistic about runoff to fill the reservoirs for summer irrigation. ILLINOIS: Topsoil moisture 5% short, 83% adequate, 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture 6% short, 88% adequate, 6% surplus. Winter wheat condition 2% poor, 24% fair, 59% good, 15% excellent. Statewide, temperatures for the month of January averaged 31.4°F, 6.7 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 2.15 inches, 0.37 inch above normal. Normal winter conditions were reported throughout the State. INDIANA: Topsoil moisture 4% short, 68% adequate, and 28% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 4% short, 73% adequate, and 22% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 33% fair, 53% good, 10% excellent. Statewide temperatures averaged 33.9°F, 8 degrees above normal for the month of January. Statewide average precipitation was 3.65 inches, 1.38 inches above normal. Much of the month was above freezing with moderate to heavy rainfall, causing the ground to thaw and become saturated with moisture. Moderate ponding occurred in low lying areas, limiting the amount field work that could be done. Little to no snow cover has left the winter wheat fields exposed to the winter elements. Thus far, the warm temperatures have been beneficial for the wheat, but there are concerns that a quick drop in temperatures could damage the crop, especially to fields that have begun to green up. Pastures have become extremely muddy in some areas for livestock, making winter feeding difficult. Calving and lambing is well underway, and have benefited from the mild January weather. Hay supplies were reported to be adequate to a surplus for the State, which coincides with the late start to the winter season and mild conditions. Farmers have been keeping themselves busy by working on financial preparations for the 2017 crop season, planning for planting season, signing up for programs with FSA, hauling grain, and attending farm shows. IOWA: State temperatures averaged above normal for the month of January, ranging from well below freezing to well above freezing. Very limited fieldwork took place across the State with scattered reports of dry fertilizer applications at the beginning of the month. Areas of northern Iowa saw little or no grain movement at the end of the month due to snow and ice. Poor gravel road conditions caused difficulties transporting grain and livestock for some producers. Widely varying temperatures and rain stressed livestock and created muddy conditions. Feed supplies were reported to be adequate. Calving and lambing was reported in the southern two-thirds of the State. KANSAS: Topsoil moisture 15% very short, 22% short, 60% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture 14% very short, 27% short, 58% adequate, and 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 7% very poor, 13% poor, 36% fair, 42% good, 2% excellent. Stock water supplies 2% very short, 7% short, 90% adequate, and 1% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 2% short, 89% adequate, 9% surplus. Cattle and calf condition, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 27% fair, 67% good, 5% excellent. Calving progress 9% complete. Cattle and calf death loss, 0% heavy, 46% average, 54% light. Sheep and lamb conditions, 0% very poor, 0% poor, 17% fair, 78% good, 5% excellent. Lambing progress 8% complete. Sheep and lamb death loss, 0% heavy, 57% average, 43% light. Temperatures averaged two to four degrees below normal for much of western Kansas, while the remainder of the State experienced temperatures from two to six degrees above normal. All of Kansas received some measurable precipitation, with heaviest amounts falling along the southern border. KENTUCKY: Weather conditions were variable during January, with above normal temperatures and precipitation for the month. During the first week colder temperatures were experienced for most of the State, with 1 to 3 inches of snowfall and wind chills below zero in some areas. Following this cold spell, temperatures were abnormally higher with widespread rainfall. The month ended with temperatures declining more in line with seasonal averages. Temperatures for the period averaged 42°F across the State which was 9 degrees warmer than normal. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 4.04 inches Statewide which was 0.54 inches above normal and 115% of normal. Tobacco producers near completion on stripping tobacco. The amount of tobacco stripped was at 95%, consistent with the previous year. Winter wheat was rated in mostly good condition. The mild winter so far has allowed winter wheat to green-up early, with some farmers beginning nitrogen applications. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 3% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 59% good, and 9% excellent. Most producers still feel hay supplies are adequate, however poor quality has some supplementing with grain or protein. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 4% very short, 15% short, 72% adequate, and 9% surplus. Livestock was rated in mostly good condition, although feeding areas and pastures are very muddy from the excess rainfall. Livestock conditions were rated as 1% very poor, 3% poor, 19% fair, 66% good, and 11% excellent. Farmers have been busy soil sampling and working on equipment to prepare for spring planting. LOUISIANA: Recent rainfall and mild temperatures have improved ryegrass pasture conditions although the crop is behind for this time of the year. The winter rainfall has restored subsoil moisture that was depleted from the 2016 drought in some areas. There has been limited fieldwork occurring in sandy soil. Cattle producers are still grazing ryegrass. Temperatures have been above normal for this time of year averaging in the low-mid 60's. Commercial vegetable production is doing fine and plentiful. The commercial wheat crop is showing promise yet hopeful to dry up enough to cut in the upcoming months due to the soils being saturated in some parts of the State. Overall, everything is progressing at a good rate. MARYLAND: For the month of January, maximum registered temperature was 70°F with minimum of 10°F. There were 19 instances of precipitation with near maximum of 0.71 inches of rain in a single day with total accumulation of 2-3.5+ inches for the month. The weather conditions, to some extent, contributed to pasture and cover crop growth. No major health issues was reported to livestock. No freeze kill has occurred to the tillage radishes that were planted yet to date. January goes in the books as one of the mildest winter month, with morning-time foggy episodes and cloudy skies. Other than farming, activities for the month included taking soil samples, repairing equipment, purchasing supplies, general paperwork, planning, pricing inputs for 2017, and attending workshops and expositions. MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture 1% short, 50% adequate, 49% surplus. Subsoil moisture 2% short, 63% adequate, 35% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 4% very poor, 10% poor, 23% fair, 47% good, 16% excellent. Temperatures were unseasonably warm with plenty of rainfall. The warm temperatures have melted the snow cover which has been a concern for the wheat. The rain allowed much topsoil and subsoil moisture to accumulate, but has caused sitting water in many pastures. The varying temperatures have been challenging for cattle producers. The mild temperatures made outdoor work bearable. MINNESOTA: Preliminary temperatures for the month averaged 15.8°F, 3.9 degrees above average. Statewide preliminary average precipitation was 1.15 inches, 0.38 inches above normal. A winter storm on January 2-3 brought a mixture of rain and snow to the State. Ice coated roads in the southern counties, while new daily record snowfall amounts were set in the northern part of the State. A series of snow events during January 8-11 coupled with cold polar air recorded new daily snowfall totals and the nation's coldest daily temperatures 3 times. After a warm up January 17-21, a slow moving storm piled snow across the southern part of the State, ranging from 5 to 12 inches, over January 24-25. The swings in temperatures caused producers to keep a close watch on livestock for respiratory issues. Reporters expressed concerns about winterkill in alfalfa and other winter standing crops in areas with little to no snow cover. When conditions allowed, some farmers moved grains and attended meetings during the month. MISSISSIPPI: Winter pastures have been severely hampered by the drought this fall and the extreme freezing temperatures experienced on earlier this month. Favorable amounts of rain was witnessed in the past few weeks halted nearly all field work. The rain events led to water levels of farm ponds and water tables rising from previous falls as a result of drought in the area. As fields and pastures dried, producers were able to get equipment in to start site preparations or apply lime or other nutrients. Ryegrass has responded to the warmer temperatures since then, but still producers are feeding excess amounts of hay to make up for the loss. MISSOURI: Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture 4% very short, 22% short, 67% adequate, 7% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 2% short, 79% adequate, 19% surplus. Stock water supplies 2% very short, 17% short, 80% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter Wheat condition 1% very poor, 4% poor, 47% fair, 44% good, 4% excellent. MONTANA: Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 5% last year; 11% short, 12% last year; 77% adequate, 79% last year; 10% surplus, 4% last year. Subsoil moisture 2% very short, 8% last year; 16% short, 24% last year; 73% adequate, 65% last year; 9% surplus, 3% last year. Winter wheat - wind damage 70% none, 81% last year; 23% light, 18% last year; 6% moderate, 1% last year; 1% heavy, 0% last year. Winter wheat - freeze and drought damage 73% none, 78% last year; 20% light, 20% last year; 6% moderate, 2% last year; 1% heavy, 0% last year. Winter wheat - protectiveness of snow cover 4% very poor, 17% last year; 18% poor, 19% last year; 21% fair, 30% last year; 28% good, 23% last year; 29% excellent, 11% last year. Livestock grazing accessibility - 27% open, 28% last year; 29% difficult, 28% last year; 44% closed, 44% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - cattle and calves 96% fed, 99% last year. Livestock birthing - calving complete 1%, 2% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed - sheep and lambs 97% fed, 98% last year. Livestock birthing - lambing complete 1%, 2% last year. The month of January was predominately cold and snowy for much of Montana with a warm spell toward the end of the month. High temperatures ranged from the lower 30s to the mid 50s and low temperatures ranged from -46°F in Wisdom to -5°F. Precipitation was mostly in the form of snowfall and was present across the State but in variable amounts, with the highest recorded this month in West Yellowstone with 1.92 inches of moisture. Other reporting stations recorded between 0.04 to 1.84 inches of moisture. Topsoil moisture conditions were 87% adequate to surplus which is slightly ahead of last year's 83%. Subsoil moisture conditions are 82% adequate, well above last year's 68%. Winter damage to winter wheat increased from the previous month as a result of decreased snow coverage and bitterly cold weather. The State's snow coverage fell to 57% good to excellent which is still better than coverage was at this time last year when snow coverage was 34% good to excellent. Winter wheat condition is rated 70% good to excellent, compared with 72% last year. Livestock grazing is 56% open to difficult compared to 62% at the same time last year. Livestock producers are providing supplemental feed at slightly lower rates than the previous year with 96% of cattle and 97% of sheep being fed, compared with 99% of cattle and 98% of sheep last year. Livestock birthing has begun for the season with 1% of calving and lambing complete so far, which is behind last year's 2% for both cattle and sheep. NEBRASKA: Topsoil moisture 7% very short, 16% short, 73% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture 7% very short, 24% short, 68% adequate, and 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 8% poor, 44% fair, 43% good, 4% excellent. Stock water supplies 0% very short, 4% short, 95% adequate, and 1% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 2% short, 92% adequate, 6% surplus. Cattle and calf condition, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 12% fair, 76% good, 11% excellent. Calving progress 4% complete. Cattle and calf death loss, 0% heavy, 64% average, 36% light. Sheep and lamb conditions, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 22% fair, 72% good, 5% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss, 1% heavy, 62% average, 37% light. Temperatures averaged near normal across eastern Nebraska but 2 to 6 degrees below normal in the west. Heavy snow across northern counties the last full week of the month covered stubble fields, requiring supplemental feedings of livestock. At the end of the month, snow cover was limited to northern areas. NEVADA: Temperatures were below normal for the month of January. Monsoonal moisture early mid-month brought record precipitation and snowfall totals to the State. Fields are too wet to do any field activities. NEW ENGLAND: The past month was characterized by D0 Abnormally Dry to D3 Extreme Drought conditions with the southernmost part of Massachusetts and western Connecticut having the most extreme conditions according to the United States Drought Monitor. Some increased snowfall throughout the State of Maine improved water level conditions in many areas over the prior month. Maple producers were getting ready for the 2017 season with many having an early sap run in various areas throughout northern New England, particularly in Massachusetts and Vermont despite drought conditions. Cranberry producers did not flood bogs as a result of warmer temperatures. Winter markets continued to do well. Potato demand remained strong last month. Honeybee activity was a concern according to reporting from the field. NEW JERSEY: The State's average temperature in January was 45°F, with a low temperature of 12°F and a high temperature of 67°F. Vegetable prices disappointing except for those marketed directly. Direct marketers of seasonal items such as Christmas trees and poinsettias were busy. Quiet time of the year for greenhouses. The industry is coming out of the doldrums of the Great Recession. Benefiting now from the loss of supply during those hard times. Labor supply a concern. Winter pruning cane berries. Gearing up marketing for spring. Bees flying when temperatures over 50°F. Peach pruning to pick up in mid-February. In Warren County there was very little snow, and still very dry. In Hunterdon County there was several days of rain, the ground was saturated and temperatures warm. Leafy greens are being planted in greenhouses for the spring crop. There has been little snow so far this winter, but rain has been adequate to maintain ground water levels. Late planted cover crops were able to grow since there was a warm fall. NEW MEXICO: Topsoil moisture 5% very short, 48% short, 45% adequate, 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 37% short, 54% adequate, 1% excellent. Cotton harvested 95%, 100% last year. Pecans harvested 55%, 100% last year. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 54% poor, 37% fair, 5% good, 3% excellent. Cows calved 3%, 7% last year. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 84%, 67% last year. Cattle condition 0% very poor, 3% poor, 51% fair, 39% good, 7% excellent. Ewes lambed 1%, 4% last year. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 76%, 78% last year. Sheep and lamb condition 4% very poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 54% good, 1% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 9% short, 62% adequate, 28% surplus. Stock water supplies 11% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, 2% surplus. January was an unusually warm month along with precipitation throughout the whole State. Specifically, average temperatures varied from 2 degrees below to 9 degrees above normal. Daytime highs ranged from 41°F at Eagle Nest to 82°F at Artesia, Bitter Lakes, and Roswell. Overnight lows varied from -38°F at Eagle Nest to 23°F at NMSU. The largest precipitation total was reported at Chama, where 3.70 inches of moisture fell during January. All the weather stations recorded precipitation, and had 10 stations recorded over 2 inches of precipitation during the month. NEW YORK: The Empire State has been experiencing unseasonably warmer weather throughout the month of January 2017. Much of the State is experiencing a D0 (abnormally dry) or D1 (moderate drought) status on the United States drought monitor scale. Many fields covered in ice have melted. Field activities for the month include tending livestock, trees, and vines, fixing and maintaining machinery and structures, and manure and fertilizer application. NORTH CAROLINA: Days suitable for field work 4.6. Topsoil moisture 0% very short, 5% short, 73% adequate and 22% surplus. Subsoil moisture 0% very short, 4% short, 82% adequate and 14% surplus. Barley condition 1% very poor, 15% poor, 56% fair, 26% good and 2% excellent. Oats condition 0% very poor, 1% poor, 40% fair, 57% good and 2% excellent. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 5% poor, 29% fair, 56% good and 10% excellent. Pasture and range condition 3% very poor, 22% poor, 55% fair, 19% good and 1% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 7% very short, 20% short, 71% adequate and 2% surplus. An 8-10 inch snow on January 6 and a couple more rain events in January have improve soil moisture greatly. Small grain crop stands have been impacted negatively by dry planting season but recent moisture has improve field growth greatly. Small grains are growing well. Warm temperatures the past few weeks are compensating for some late plantings due to the weather last fall. It has been very wet though wheat and grain crops are looking okay. Tobacco growers are getting greenhouses ready. Hay supplies are adequate for now. Small grains are growing well. Warm temperatures the past few weeks are compensating for some late plantings due to the weather last fall. Major difference in wheat is when it was planted. On time looks good, but late planted has been slow to develop. NORTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 4% short, 75% adequate, 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture 3% very short, 7% short, 78% adequate, 12% surplus. Winter wheat condition, 4% very poor, 2% poor, 12% fair, 77% good, 5% excellent. Cattle and calves condition, 1% very poor, 3% poor, 23% fair, 67% good, 6% excellent. Cattle and calves death loss, 3% heavy, 70% average, 27% light. Calving progress, 1% complete. Sheep and lambs condition, 1% very poor, 4% poor, 24% fair, 65% good, 6% excellent. Sheep and lambs death loss, 2% heavy, 62% average, 36% light. Lambing progress, 3% compete. Hay and roughage supplies, 3% very short, 15% short, 79% adequate, 3% surplus. Stock water supplies, 1% very short, 10% short, 84% adequate, 5% surplus. Continued snow and ice across much of the State caused hardships for livestock producers. Warmer conditions in the east caused snow to melt, which minimized blowing and reduced the need for snow removal. Temperatures averaged two degrees above normal in the eastern half of the State to four to six degrees below normal across much of the west. OHIO: Topsoil moisture, 1% short, 60% adequate, and 39% surplus. Subsoil moisture, 5% short, 69% adequate, 26% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% poor, 18% fair, 64% good, and 17% excellent. The January 2017 Statewide average temperature was 34.7°F, 8.2 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 3.92 inches Statewide, which was 1.51 inches above normal for the month of January. While some welcomed the above average rainfall for replenishing subsoil moisture, there were reports of excessive ponding and ice in some parts of the State, limiting winter field work opportunities. Several unusually warm days this month have thawed soils and melted snow cover, leading to concerns that winter wheat might come out of dormancy prematurely, making it susceptible to frost damage before the winter ends. There were also reports of dairy and beef calves struggling with the inconsistent temperatures. OKLAHOMA: January began cold and dry but ended warm and dry. An ice storm hit the State in mid-January causing heavy ice accumulation and power outages. According to the OCS Mesonet, the month began with a subzero wind chill and ended with a fire danger advisory. Precipitation ranged from 1.29 inches in the Southeast district to 0.21 of an inch in the Panhandle district. Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 40's, with the lowest recording of 4°F at Kenton on Wednesday, January 11th and the highest recording of 81°F at Mangum on Sunday, January 29th. OREGON: The Statewide temperature differential for the month of January ranged from 0 to 14 degrees below normal. A low temperature was reported at -35°F in the south central region. A high temperature was reported at 61°F Fahrenheit in the northern coastal region. Statewide, Oregon experienced a colder winter than normal. In addition, the cumulative precipitation levels were average to above average Statewide. Several regions of the State received significant snowfall in January. Statewide, very little field work was accomplished. The first few weeks of January bought snow and some hard freezes to the northern coastal region. The month ended with rain and more moderate temperatures. Lane County reported some filbert orchard damage. Late planted grass also suffered from ice early in the month. This region experienced some minor flooding late in the month. Fields that were not protected with a cover crop showed some erosion. Livestock handled the low temperatures well. There was no reported shortage of hay. Some grape growers felt the freezing temperatures were good for their crops, putting the vines deeper in dormancy, and making it less likely to have early swelling. Winter grains and the nursery industry also appeared to get through the tough January. Much of the wheat crop in north central Oregon had been covered by snow since mid-December. Several counties in this region reported much tougher conditions for livestock than previous winters. Several cattle producers in this region started calving. Some growers reported calf loss to cold temperatures, ice and slippage, cattle bunching and predator loss. The northeast region also reported some livestock death due to cold, but those numbers were minimized as most growers did not start calving until after the big January storm moved through. Most of Umatilla County had snow on the ground for over 30 days. Much of the eastern part of the county melted off. The pastures absorbed much the moisture with minimal flooding. In southwest Oregon, Coos and Curry counties experienced some rare snow accumulation reported down to beach level. Precipitation was above normal with little impact to dormant crops. Jackson County reported some historic snow events followed by rain. Some severe flooding was reported in Jackson County. There were also reports of farm structure damage from the heavy snow. The heavy snow likely caused some damage to the fruit and conifer trees as well. In Douglas County, vineyard pruning ran behind schedule due to the rain and cold. The cold weather helped knock down insect pests. Southeastern Oregon received more snow. Almost all the counties in this region reported above average snowfall from one of the coldest winters in some time. Over 100 buildings collapsed in Malheur County. Lake County reported cumulative precipitation at 145% of normal. December and January had significantly improved reservoir storage in this region. Some counties in this region reported grower attention about strip rust on snow covered wheat fields and more vole damage in hay fields and pastures. There remained uncertainty on what protective affect snow cover had on clover and winter grain mites. PENNSYLVANIA: January weather in Pennsylvania was warmer than normal for the most part, ranging from sunny, snowy (or cold) to warm and rainy. Temperatures higher than normal a small number of cold day's but other than that pleasant weather. In general, temperatures ranged from a high of 59o(F) to a low of 14o(F) with a resulting January average temperature of 36o(F). Not much field activity is expected this time of year. Wormer and dry weather has allowed for some field activities, hauling manure during the winter months. SOUTH CAROLINA: Rains received throughout January have helped relieve much of the drought across the State. According to the current United States Drought Monitor, 71% of the State is now drought free compared to only 27% on January 3, 2017. The northwestern corner of the State is the only area that remains under drought conditions as producers are still short on hay and pastures dry. Small grain plantings are reported to be behind but look acceptable considering the conditions. In the rest of the State, pasture is in much better condition with healthy pastures and livestock and no shortage of hay. Small grains and winter greens are progressing well. With the excess rainfall, some farmers have not been able to get in the field to do any prep work. Average maximum temperatures ranged from the mid-60s in eastern South Carolina to the mid-50s in the west. Average minimum temperatures ranged from the mid-40s in the east to low 30s in west. Precipitation estimates for the month range from 7.46 inches in Edgefield to 2.0 inches near Boiling Springs. SOUTH DAKOTA: Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 13% short, 84% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 2% very short, 21% short, 76% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 1% poor, 37% fair, 61% good, and 1% excellent. Stock water supplies 3% very short, 14% short, 82% adequate, 1% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 4% very poor, 17% poor, 76% adequate, and 3% excellent. Cattle and calf conditions 0% very poor, 2% poor, 25% fair, 69% good, and 4% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss 0% heavy, 69% average, 31% light. Sheep and lamb condition 0% very poor, 6% poor, 18% fair, 67% good, and 9% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss 0% heavy, 73% average, 27% light. For the month of January 2017, a large storm system late in the month brought significant snowfall to many southern locations. The snow and blowing snow created difficult conditions for producers working to maintain fences, pens, and getting feed to livestock. While snow amounts were less across the north, windy conditions caused blowing and drifting of the considerable snowpack remaining from earlier storms. TENNESSEE: Days suitable 2.8. Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 4% short, 66% adequate, 29% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 12% short, 68% adequate, 19% surplus. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 7% poor, 24% fair, 55% good, 13% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 12% very poor, 38% poor, 33% fair, 16% good, 1% excellent. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 9% poor, 43% fair, 40% good, 7% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 15% very short, 31% short, 50% adequate, 4% surplus. Tennessee experienced above normal temperatures and much needed rainfall in January. This has resulted in favorable soil moisture but created muddy conditions and field ponding. Most operations are still feeding hay. Pastures which survived last year's drought are benefitting from rains though recovering slowly. This is expected to negatively affect spring grazing and hay harvest. Wheat fields are generally too wet to apply nitrogen side dressing. Hay and roughage supplies are mostly short to adequate with poor quality reported. The primary activity was side dressing wheat where very few areas were dry enough to allow. TEXAS: January began cold and dry but ended warm and dry in the State. An ice storm hit the northern part of the State in mid-January. Light scattered showers across the State. Isolated areas in the Upper Coast experienced precipitation above 10 inches. Cotton and Wheat harvest was on the verge of completion. UTAH: Topsoil moisture 0% very short, 0% last year; 3% short, 1% last year; 78% adequate, 88% last year; 19% surplus, 11% last year. Subsoil moisture 0% very short, 0% last year; 3% short, 26% last year; 82% adequate, 74% last year; 15% surplus, 0% last year. Pasture and range condition 1% very poor, 2% last year; 2% poor, 10% last year; 48% fair, 23% last year; 48% good, 64% last year; 1% excellent, 1% last year. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 0% poor, 0% last year; 59% fair, 35% last year; 41% good, 51% last year; 0% excellent, 14% last year. Hay and roughage supplies 0% very short, 0% last year; 0% short, 0% last year; 86% adequate, 70% last year; 14% surplus year, 30% last year. Stock water supplies 0% very short, 2% last year; 2% short, 6% last year; 87% adequate, 91% last year; 11% surplus, 1% last year. Cattle and calves condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 1% poor, 0% last year; 21% fair, 25% last year; 77% good, 64% last year; 1% excellent, 11% last year. Sheep and lambs condition 0% very poor, 0% last year; 1% poor, 0% last year; 25% fair, 29% last year; 74% good, 62% last year; 0% excellent, 9% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 84%, 68% last year. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 80%, 53% last year. Cows calved 3%, 5% last year. Farm Flock Ewes Lambed 4%, 1% last year, and Range Flock Ewes Lambed 1%, 0% last year. Good precipitation was seen across most of the State with the mountains currently having excellent snow cover. Cows calved is at 3%, sheep farm flock lambed at 4% and range flock lambed at 1%. Supplemental feeding of cattle is at 84% compared to 63% the previous month and 68% the previous year. Supplemental feeding of sheep is at 80% compared to 58% the previous month and 53% the previous year. Reports indicate the increased supplemental feeding is being done due to the increased snow cover in the valleys. Duchesne and Daggett Counties reported ranchers having a hard time feeding cattle due to the deep snow. Box Elder County reported 20 to 30 inches of snow on the ground. Hay and roughage supplies were rated 86% adequate and 14% surplus. Stock water supplies were 2% short, 87% adequate, and 11% surplus. VIRGINIA: Barley conditions were 4% poor, 37% fair, 55% good, and 4% excellent. Oats conditions were 24% poor, 66% fair, and 10% good. Winter wheat conditions were 3% poor 27% fair, 62% good, and 8% excellent. Livestock conditions were 6% poor 33% fair, 56% good, and 5% excellent. Pasture and range conditions were 13% very poor, 30% poor, 30% fair, 23% good, and 4% excellent. Percent of feed obtained from pastures 11%. January has been a relatively hot month with plenty of rain. These showers helped soil moisture levels rise but made it hard to get into the fields to work due to muddy conditions. The temperatures have dropped again towards the end of the month but not before crop and field conditions improved. Farming activities for the month included attending meetings, reading soil samples, and tending to crops. WASHINGTON: The weather was extremely cold throughout most of January. Lots of snow was reported throughout the State, with some areas reporting potential new records for snow. In addition to the large amounts of snow, some areas experienced freezing rain as well. Temperatures dropped to as low as -19°F in the Northeastern region while the highest temperature was reported at 57°F in the western region. Average temperatures were below freezing for most of January everywhere except for in the west. The highest reported precipitation was in the western region at 6.33 inches while the lowest reported precipitation was in the south eastern region at 0.47 inch. The cold weather brought most field work to a standstill for most of January. In the west, cold temperatures and rain came and went. Average precipitation in the west was lower than normal, prompting concerns of potential drought conditions. Dormant fruit orchards were being pruned despite cold weather. Cherry trees suffered winter damage. Most vegetable crops were frozen, except for those in special structures and tunnels. As for other regions, they experienced excessive snowfall, which provided excellent snow cover for crops such as winter wheat. Extreme cold temperatures paired with windy conditions were challenging. Some areas lost snow cover due to wind, which may cause some frost damage for crops such as winter wheat. Livestock suffered losses due to accidents caused by snow and ice. Ranchers were preparing for the calving season. Sheep operations were lambing. Several regular and ice storms occurred, which caused little to no damage to crops but instead added snow to the protective snow sheet. Winter wheat, triticale, and winter peas were protected by the snow. Some were concerned about potential snow mold damage since the snow cover may last for more than 100 days. Most dormant winter crops were expected to make it to spring in good condition, with the possible exception of some barley. The record levels of snow were anticipated to provide quite a bit of moisture once winter ends.. WEST VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture was 4% short, 76% adequate, and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 5% short, 92% adequate, and 3% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies were 2% very short, 5% short, 89% adequate, and 4% surplus. Feed grain supplies were 3% short, 96% adequate, and 1% surplus. Winter wheat conditions were 10% poor, 54% fair, 29% good, and 7% excellent. Cattle and calves were 3% poor, 17% fair, 72% good, and 8% excellent. Sheep and lambs were 2% poor, 23% fair, 65% good, and 10% excellent. Weather this month has been rather mild and wet with a mix of warmer and colder temperatures, mixed with rain and snow. Farming activities for the month included seed and supply purchases, and dormant pruning in apple, cherry, and pear trees. WISCONSIN: January temperatures at the 5 major weather stations ranged from 3.5 to 7.1 degrees above normal. Average highs ranged from 24.7°F in Eau Claire to 33.9°F in Milwaukee, while average lows ranged from 10.9 to 22.0°F in those same cities. Precipitation ranged from 2.06 inches in Milwaukee to 2.62 inches in La Crosse. Eau Claire received the most snowfall out of the major cities with 13.7 inches. Milwaukee received the least, with 2.2 inches of snow for the month. Warm weather in middle and late January left the entire State with above average temperatures for the month. January precipitation was also above average. Reporters from across the State expressed concern about winter damage to winter wheat and alfalfa. Muddy fields and damp conditions caused stress on cattle. WYOMING: Topsoil moisture 11% very short, 34% short, 46% adequate, 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture 11% very short, 33% short, 53% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition 18% very poor, 22% poor, 39% fair, 17% good, 4% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 28% short, 69% adequate, 2% surplus. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 71% good, 5% excellent. Stock water supplies 12% very short, 15% short, 70% adequate, 3% surplus. Pasture and range condition 6% very poor, 23% poor, 46% fair, 22% good, 3% excellent. Cows calved 1% 2016 2%. Ewes lambed 1%, 2016 1%. 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 Tony Dahlman - Oats, Soybeans.................. (202) 690-3234 Chris Hawthorn - Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet.. (202) 720-9526 James Johanson - County Estimates, Hay......... (202) 690-8533 Scott Matthews - Crop Weather, Barley.......... (202) 720-7621 Sammy Neal- Peanuts, Rice...................... (202) 720-7688 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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