By Michelle Bliss
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/whqr/local-whqr-976714.mp3
07-08-11 – North Carolina farmers planted 760,000 acres of cotton this year, a 38% boost over last year. That's following a national trend since 25% more cotton was planted across the country this year.
While cotton is up, soybean plantings across the state have decreased 10%.
With cotton selling for more than $1 a pound, acreage has increased significantly, according to Herb Vanderberry who directs the state USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. He says that soybeans haven't fared as well because of dry weather.
Up to 40% of North Carolina's soybeans are double-cropped so that they're planted later in the season, after a farmer's wheat is harvested. With 35 counties in severe drought, planting now is a risk.
"I think growers are being cautious right now and probably have decided maybe not to plant as many beans as they may have otherwise just because it's so dry. Soybeans planted after wheat in June and July really need some moisture to get germinated."
Vanderberry says that some farmers have chosen not to plant soybeans because of the recent weather, since that crop can be planted as late as June and July, and that they are noticing stunted growth in their corn yield.
"Many farmers have mentioned that their corn, condition-wise, is not doing well as it could. The dry conditions and high temperatures will not allow the corn to develop, mature, and grow as it should."
Read the North Carolina 2011 crop acreage report.
Read the national crop acreage report.
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