Establishment of the V-C crop is under way with approximately 15% planted through the week of May 8. Rain during the latter part of April and the first few days of May limited field operations and planting, especially for corn and also cotton. Delays in planting these important rotation crops may also delay planting peanut in the region. Soil temperatures and moisture today (May 8) and moving into the weekend are very good for planting and germination.

Acreage estimates for the entire V-C stand at 185,000 acres (75,000 hectares). Average yield for peanut has been approximately 3,900 pounds per acre for the past two growing seasons. Peanuts in the region are grown on good soils for this crop, farmers have good rotations in place, breeding programs have provided excellent genetic material, a complete array of plant protection products are available, and farmers are managing these resources very well to maintain the high yields achieved over the past two years. Given most peanut in the region are non-irrigated (approximately 80%), weather will play a major role in realizing high yields and quality during 2014.

Image 1. Certified seed.

Image 2. Unplanted and planted areas of a field destined for peanut production.

Image 3. Peanut field being treated with herbicide immediately after planting.

Article first appeared as North Carolina Peanut Note (PNNC-2014-042)