USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (10/18): Lack of Rain Continues to Favor Summer Crop Harvesting

According to the Weather and Crop Bulletin report of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), another week with minimal precipitation in many of the nation’s key production areas continued to favor summer crop harvesting and other autumn fieldwork.

However, lack of topsoil moisture remained an impediment to the even emergence and proper establishment of recently planted winter grains and cover crops. Expansive dryness also contributed to poor rangeland and pasture conditions, as well as ongoing low water levels in the Mississippi River Basin. Rain fell in a few areas, however, including parts of the Northeast and Southeast.

In fact, rain fell heavily in New England, where 2- to 4-inch totals were common. Southeastern rainfall was generally heaviest in parts of Alabama and Georgia. Portions of the Midwest also received some precipitation, with rain and snow showers noted downwind of the Great Lakes. Late in the week, additional rain developed across the South.

For the full USDA report for Oct. 18, click here.