Week Ending April 11, 2010

The southeast corner of Alabama began to show dry conditions according to the US Drought Monitor released April 8, 2010, with only 5 to 25 percent of normal rainfall. The US Drought Monitor released April 8, 2010 portrayed the state to be 74.1 percent free from drought, compared to 100 percent 3 months ago, and 100 percent a year ago. Daytime highs for the week ranged from 81 degrees in Bay Minette to 90 degrees in Union Springs, Eufaula, and Headland. Overnight lows for the week ranged from 34 degrees in Hamilton, to 49 degrees in Headland. Precipitation totals ranged from 0 inches in Russellville to 2.07 inches of rain in Headland over a period of 1 day.

Small Grains: Winter wheat was progressing well. However, rain would be helpful to producers. Eric Schavey, Regional Extension Agent in Franklin County, stated that the spring fertilizer applications were being applied to wheat in his region. Tim Malone, County Executive Director for Lauderdale County added winter wheat was looking good, but rain will be necessary for continued progression. Leonard Kuykendall, Regional Extension Agent in Autauga County, mentioned wheat was behind the average maturity in his area.

Corn/ Cotton/Soybeans/Peanuts: Mr. Malone also stated that with abundant sunshine expected this week, they should see some cotton planting. Corn planting will be going on throughout the county with some farmers completing the process this week. Mr. Kuykendall noted pre-plant burn down and tillage continued for cotton, soybean, and peanut plantings. Corn planting was finished with stands emerging and post planting herbicide applications being applied.

James Jones, County Extension Coordinator for Henry County, mentioned his area received much needed rainfall last week. Corn planting was almost complete.

Fruits & Vegetables: Bobby Boozer, Research Horticulturist at the Chilton County Research & Extension Center, reported plum curculio numbers doubled since last Friday. High levels of a fungal disease were being noticed on a certain variety of blueberries last week, which was causing blooming problems and numerous vegetative strikes on several operations. Fungicide applications were being applied to slow the spread of this disease.

Pasture/Livestock: Henry Dorough, Regional Extension Agent for Talladega County, mentioned that warm weather allowed soil temperatures to rise allowing warm season grasses to begin turning green. Winter forages were growing well and supplying adequate forage for livestock producers. Brenda Glover, Regional Extension Agent in Hale County, commented warmer temperatures helped grass in pastures begin to grow. Mr. Jones added spring tillage was proceeding quickly and pastures were being used for cattle grazing.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

LIVESTOCK conditions were reported 17% fair, 81% good, and 2% excellent. PASTURES were reportedly 1% poor, 36% fair, 60% good, and 3% excellent. Sixty-five percent of TOMATOES had been planted. Nineteen percent of CUCUMBERS and 32% of SNAPBEANS had been planted; both remained behind the five year average. CANTALOUPS were planted at a rapid pace this past week with 45% reportedly planted. WATERMELON plantings made substantial gains as well with 55% reportedly planted. PEACH conditions were reportedly 19% fair, 71% good, and 10% excellent.