The week’s average mean temperatures ranged from 60.6 F in Crossville, to 68.0 F in Geneva; total precipitation ranged from 0.33 inches in Clayton, to 1.70 inches in Haleyville.

Shane Seay, FSA CED, reported rainy conditions continue to hamper planting efforts in Limestone County.

Carol Gay, FSA CED, said Randolph and Clay County received 1.5 and 1.8 inches of rains this past week, respectively.

Greg Key, FSA CED, confirmed most locations in Etowah and St. Clair County received approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall this past week, and ground temperatures were cooler than normal.

Charles Simon, ACES CEC, stated Covington County received adequate rains.

Jeffrey Smith, FSA CED, said temperatures last week regulated slightly to more seasonable levels throughout Coosa, Elmore, and Tallapoosa Counties.

William Rogers, FSA PT, confirmed corn was still being planted in Lawrence County, and the crop was in fair to good condition. Corn planting was behind schedule, reported Key.

Don Moore, Director of the Alabama Experiment Station, reported most cotton producers in Autauga County were waiting for warmer and drier weather before putting valuable seed into the ground.

Jim Todd, ACES CEC, confirmed peanut planting should start by the end of next week in Mobile County. Marie Headley, FSA CED, confirmed more rains were expected this week, which will delay ground preparations for spring seeded crops in Bibb and Perry County.

James Jones, Jr., ACES CEC, reported corn planting was complete in Henry County, and some producers have started planting cotton.

Willie Durr, ACES CEC, reported cooler night temperatures have slowed germination and growth for both vegetable and row crop producers in Houston County.

Rogers stated wheat conditions were very good; cattle and pastures were improving due to warmer weather.

Henry Dorough, ACES REA, said pastures were showing growth due to warmer weather and plenty of moisture early in the week throughout Blount, Calhoun, Jefferson, Marshall and St. Clair counties. However, cool weather towards the end of the week threatened some new growth as temperatures dropped into the mid-30’s Friday and Saturday night.

Forages meeting grazing needs

Most livestock producers have stopped feeding hay as forages met grazing needs in most cases, reported Dorough.

According to Carol Gay, a producer reported by this time last year he harvested 200 bales of haylage, but he has not baled any this year due to extended cold temperatures.

Cattle sales remained good, stated Carol Gay.

Jack Tatum, ACES REA, confirmed pastures were really improving throughout Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Lee, Randolph, Shelby, Talladega and Tallapoosa Counties.

Key said wheat pastures were in good condition at this time.

Todd said wheat harvest was about three to four weeks away.

Brenda Glover, ACES REA, said Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry and Sumter counties received over an inch of rainfall, which helped pastures green-up and grow.

Additionally, Glover reported warmer temperatures were needed for grass to do well consistently, and cattle were in good condition.

Headley stated the wheat crop looked good, and grazing was good for this time of year.

Jones, Jr. said recent rainfall helped small grains and pastures, and weeds were causing problems in hayfields and pastures.

Pastures were slowly growing, stated Durr.