By Blake Jackson
Farmers across Pennsylvania made steady progress last week, with 5.5 days deemed suitable for fieldwork, according to the latest report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Dry conditions continue to be a concern for some, as topsoil moisture supplies were rated 14% very short, 21% short, 63% adequate, and 2% surplus.
Subsoil moisture conditions were also tight, with 12% reported as very short, 43% short, and 45% adequate, while no surplus was recorded.
Apple and peach development is progressing as spring temperatures climb. As of April 20, 90% of apple trees had reached the green tip stage, up from 85% the previous week and ahead of last year’s 77%.
Meanwhile, 15% had reached the pink stage, still trailing both last year’s 39% and the five-year average of 47%. For peaches, 65% had reached the green tip stage, with 10% showing pink, slightly behind the pace from last year.
Oat planting is also moving forward, with 44% of the crop planted, ahead of last year’s 24% and the five-year average of 34%.
Emergence, however, remains modest at 10%. Spring tillage is now 52% complete, a noticeable improvement compared to 25% during the same time last year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables