Fields across North Carolina have been very dry throughout much of March and April. Farmers have been able to prepare fields for peanut planting. Farmers are anxious to get started with planting. Above-average temperatures were experienced during portions of the weeks of April 13 and 20. Soil temperatures in many cases have exceeded the 65 F threshold for several days that is needed for germination and seeding growth. These factors have encouraged some farmers to plant, even as early as the week of April 13.

The weekend of April 25 brought much needed rain across much of the region. As is often the case, rainfall was sporadic but adequate for planting and subsequent peanut stand establishment across many areas of the region. However, cooler temperatures that are more seasonal are expected over the next 10 days. This will cause peanuts that have been planted to emerge slowly.

Major issues for farmers now are deciding how to manage their operations and plantings going into the season with a rainfall deficit. Peanut seeds can be placed at a depth of 3.5 inches without emergence concerns.

Farmers planting into existing seedbeds, either flat or raised beds, will need to make sure emerged vegetation is adequately controlled. This is also the case for cover crops. Weeds and cover crops can compete with peanuts for soil water unless they are adequately controlled and desiccated.

Growers planting early may experience greater infestations of thrips and subsequently that are at risk for more tomatoed spotted wilt. Establishing adequate stands will be essential in decreasing risk to these pests.

Less than 2% of the peanut crop across the region has been planted as of April 27. However, with rainfall during the weekend of April 25 in place, many growers will begin planting peanuts the week of April 27.

Yield potential is 4,200 pounds/acre.