State
NEW ENGLAND WEEKLY CROP WEATHER

Week ending date 05/19/02

Issue                                        
NH-CW2002
Volume 22, Number 4
(issued weekly on the Internet, May - October)
May 20, 2002 - 4 pm

Agricultural Summary

ANOTHER COOL, WET WEEK IN NEW ENGLAND

For the week ending May 19, 2002, there were 4.1 days
suitable for field work across New England. Topsoil
moisture was rated 1% very short, 6% short, 70% adequate,
23% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7% very short, 20%
short, 67% adequate, 6% surplus. Pasture condition was
rated as 6% poor, 19% fair, 69% good, 6% excellent.

Cool damp weather continued last week throughout most of
New England. Rain slowed planting in some areas.  Farmers
are continually on the alert for frost.  Major farm
activities included: planting field corn, early
vegetables, sweet corn, tobacco and potatoes; harvesting
asparagus; spreading manure; seeding new alfalfa and grass
hay; applying fertilizer; plowing and disking; fixing
fences;  irrigating orchards for frost protection.

SOIL MOISTURE ACROSS NEW ENGLAND
----------------------------------------------
Soil Rating    This Week  Last Week  Last Year
----------------------------------------------
                        -- Percent --
Topsoil Moisture
   Very Short      1          3         24
   Short           6         11         42
   Adequate       70         72         34
   Surplus        23         14          0
Subsoil Moisture
   Very Short      7         10          9
   Short          20         22         33
   Adequate       67         62         57
   Surplus         6          6          1
----------------------------------------------

Field Crops Report

Potato planting in Maine was slowed last week due to the
snow and rain showers. Massachusetts and Rhode Island
potato growers neared completion with planting of this
year's crop. All across New England, planting of field
corn continued behind last year and 5-year average rates
because of the wet weather. The cool temperatures slowed
the growth of field corn planted in the previous week.
Many fields were too wet to enter with machinery. Many hay
fields will be ready for harvest shortly.

Fruit, Vegetable, and Specialty Crops Report

FRUIT: Fruit tree growers continued to monitor and prepare
for cold temperatures at night and early mornings. Many
orchard growers had to apply a protective spray to prevent
frost damage.  The cool, wet weather was not conducive to
good pollination.  Maine wild blueberry growers continued
to apply pre-emergence  fungicide for mummyberry disease. 
Massachusetts cranberry growers prepared for their first
fungicide spray.

VEGETABLES: Planting of sweet corn and other early spring
crops continued. The lack of warm weather slowed the
germination of seeds planted the previous weeks. Some
farmers reported replanting of crops planted early in the
season because of the cold weather. Some asparagus and
spinach crops were harvested.

Crop Progress Tables

FIELD CROP PROGRESS ACROSS NEW ENGLAND
--------------------------------------------------------
   Crop      2002   2001  5-yr Avg  %Emrg    Condition
--------------------------------------------------------
             -- Percent Planted --   
Barley, ME    35     70      55        0       Good   
Oats, ME      30     50      50        0       Good  
Potatoes     
  Maine       20     65      45        0       Fair
  Mass        80     80      80       20     Good/Fair    
  Rhode Isl   95     90      85       25   Good/Excellent 
Silage Corn   25     55      35       <5     Fair/Good  
Sweet Corn    30     50      35       15     Fair/Good   
Tobacco
 Shade         5      0      <5       --     Good/Fair
Dry Hay     -- Percent Harvested --           
  First Cut    0      5      <5       --       Good    
---------------------------------------------------------

FRUIT CROP DEVELOPMENT ACROSS NEW ENGLAND
-------------------------------------------------------    
  Crop             Stage       Fruit Set     Condition
-------------------------------------------------------
Apples          Full Bloom        Avg        Good/Fair  
Peaches         Petal Fall       B.Avg       Fair/Good    
Pears           Petal Fall     B.Avg/Avg     Fair/Poor    
Blueberries 
  Highbush   Full/Early Bloom     --         Good/Fair
  Wild, ME     Early Bloom        --           Good   
Cranberries,MA     Bud            --           Good 
Strawberries   Early Bloom     Avg/B.Avg     Fair/Good     
-------------------------------------------------------

Weather Summary

For the week ending Sunday, May 19, 2002
----------------------------------------------
       AIR TEMPERATURES   PRECIPITATION
STATE   LO  HI AVG DFN      LO      HI
----   --- --- --- ---    ----    ----
ME      21  75  45  -8    0.47    3.68
NH      13  79  45 -10    1.93    4.72
VT      23  78  44 -11    1.84    5.88
MA      27  81  51  -6    2.74    4.44
RI      32  77  52  -5    2.60    4.27
CT      30  82  52  -7    2.58    4.15
---------------------------------------------- 
Copyright 2002:  AWIS, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.

Weather Information Table 

Weather Summary For New England Agricultural Statistics
Service Prepared By AWIS, Inc.
 
For the Period:     Monday       May 13, 2002 
            To:     Sunday       May 19, 2002  
 
                      AIR           CUM SINCE MAR 1   
                  TEMPERATURE    GROWING DEGREE DAYS  
                  -----------     BASE-50F  BASE-60F  
STATION          LO  HI AVG DFN   TOT  DFN  TOT  DFN  
-------          --  --  --  --   --- ----  --- ----  
MAINE
Albion           33  67  46 -11    69  -30    0   -5  
Allagash         21  59  40 -11     6  -22    0   +0  
Augusta_ME       36  66  48  -8    94   +8    4   +1  
Bangor           40  65  48  -6    66   +6    2   +2  
Barnard          36  62  45  -7    45   +1    0   +0  
Bath             31  71  47  -7    60   +4    4   +4  
Bethel           31  69  44 -11    88  +21    9   +8  
Brassua_Dam      27  55  41  -8    14   -6    0   +0  
Brunswick_ME     32  70  48  -6    75  +19    3   +3  
Caribou          28  59  44  -8    29  -14    0   +0  
Corinna          34  65  47  -7    69   +6    0   +0  
Danforth         31  63  44  -8    33   -9    0   +0  
Dover-Foxcroft   32  57  43 -10    20  -24    0   +0  
Durham           30  72  47  -9    93   +7   10  +10  
East_Hiram       30  74  45  -9    97  +30   13  +12  
Eustis           31  62  41  -9    29   +5    0   +0  
Frenchville      26  56  43  -8    13  -15    0   +0  
Gray             33  74  48  -6   108  +53   13  +13  
Greenville_ME    32  57  43 -10    40  -12    6   +6  
Guilford         33  59  42 -10    21  -23    0   +0  
Hollis           31  75  47  -7   116  +64   16  +16  
Houlton          27  63  44  -8    49   +6    2   +2  
Kennebunkport    33  70  49  -8    76  -30   10   +8  
Livermore_Falls  30  70  44  -8    67  +23    5   +5  
Moosehead        32  60  42  -7    23   +3    0   +0  
New_Sharon       34  71  48  -5    85  +41    4   +4  
Patten           31  60  42 -10    15  -28    0   +0  
Portage          30  62  44  -8    16  -27    0   +0  
Portland_ME      34  69  48  -6    92  +37    3   +3  
Rangeley         30  59  40 -10    21   -2    0   +0  
Sebec_Lake       33  63  45  -8    40  -12    0   +0  
Vanceboro        34  63  45  -7    27   -8    0   +0  
Waterville       36  66  46 -10    64  -35    1   -4  
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Barnstead        30  74  47  -9   143  +43   22  +14  
Benton           30  66  43 -11   105  +18   27  +18  
Berlin_AG        32  67  44 -10    80   +9    8   +3  
Bethlehem        28  67  42 -13    84   -1   14   +5  
Concord          28  79  49  -7   202 +102   60  +52  
Diamond_Pond     29  55  39 -11    24   -2    0   +0  
First_Conn_Lake  28  55  38 -10    22   -4    0   +0  
Greenville       26  75  43 -13   152  +59   28  +20  
Keene_AP         28  79  48 -11   208  +64   62  +43  
Lakeport         34  72  48  -7   148  +68   27  +22  
Marlow           26  75  44 -13   120   +1   26  +13  
Mt_Washington    13  41  26 -10     2   +2    0   +0  
North_Conway     33  69  46 -10   116  +33   21  +15  
Otter_Brook_Lk   30  78  48 -10   170  +26   44  +25  
Plymouth         29  70  45  -8   105  +44   19  +18  
Rochester        32  77  47 -10   163  +45   32  +21  
Weare            31  75  46 -11   150  +31   32  +19  
 
VERMONT
Ball_Mt_Lake     30  75  44 -11   145  +59   33  +24  
Bethel           30  75  46  -8   139  +65   34  +29  
Burlington_VT    35  71  48  -9   175  +45   48  +31  
East_Haven       27  63  42  -9    73  +27   14  +14  
Island_Pond      29  60  42 -10    76  +27   13  +13  
Montpelier       32  66  44 -11   135  +52   40  +32  
Morrisville_AG   34  65  44 -10    88  +14   17  +12  
Mount_Mansfield  23  48  31 -15    52  +39    9   +9  
Northfield       31  70  44  -8   123  +62   28  +27  
Pownal           30  73  45 -10   147  +57   42  +31  
Rochester        32  69  44 -10   110  +36   26  +21  
Rutland_AG       33  73  45 -13   140  -17   30   +4  
Sunderland       30  73  44 -13   130  -19   32  +12  
Sutton           32  65  42 -10    80  +34   18  +18  
Townshend_Lake   28  78  45 -12   167  +51   42  +29  
Union_Vill_Dam   29  72  45 -12   119   -3   27  +14  
 
MASSACHUSETTS
Ashburnham       31  76  48  -7   185 +108   41  +40  
Boston           40  78  54  -6   274 +112   67  +60  
Greenfield       32  81  51  -8   224  +61   59  +42  
New_Bedford      38  77  53  -6   253  +88   47  +39  
Otis_AFB         37  70  52  -3   197 +117   23  +23  
Plymouth         32  73  52  -5   207 +117   38  +38  
Walpole          31  79  51  -6   246 +125   69  +62  
West_Medway      31  80  51  -6   261 +140   72  +65  
Westover         37  79  52  -9   291  +62   95  +64  
Worcester        33  75  49  -8   211 +109   55  +50  
Worthington      27  74  46  -9   163  +78   43  +37  
 
RHODE ISLAND
Providence       35  77  53  -5   273 +134   63  +58  
Woonsocket       32  75  51  -6   254 +137   67  +63  
 
CONNECTICUT
Bakersville      32  77  49 -12   231  +19   70  +40  
Bridgeport       38  78  54  -5   278 +104   61  +40  
Hartford_AP      35  81  53  -8   325 +121  107  +78  
Norfolk          32  74  48  -7   192 +111   53  +49  
Norwich          34  76  53  -7   271  +93   78  +56  
Thomaston_Dam    32  79  51  -6   248 +113   70  +58  
Willimantic      30  77  51  -6   277 +144   83  +72  
 
                  1-WEEK PRECIP     4-WEEK CUM PRECIP
                  -------------     -----------------
                TOTAL               TOTAL
STATION        INCHES    DFN DAYS  INCHES    DFN DAYS
-------         -----   ----  ---   -----   ----  ---
MAINE
Albion           1.98  +1.14    4    4.09  +0.76   11
Allagash         0.75  +0.05    5    2.12  -0.59   14
Augusta_ME       2.28  +1.44    6    4.32  +0.77   12
Bangor           1.39  +0.55    4    3.18  -0.06   13
Barnard          1.44  +0.67    4    3.24  -0.03   12
Bath             2.63  +1.80    5    5.08  +1.60   13
Bethel           2.65  +1.82    5    5.08  +1.77   12
Brassua_Dam      1.53  +0.76    4    3.41  +0.35   13
Brunswick_ME     2.45  +1.62    6    4.75  +1.27   12
Caribou          1.23  +0.53    5    2.66  +0.02   14
Corinna          1.77  +1.00    5    3.79  +0.53   12
Danforth         1.49  +0.65    5    3.60  +0.28   15
Dover-Foxcroft   1.07  +0.30    4    2.12  -1.15    9
Durham           2.63  +1.83    4    5.02  +1.60   11
East_Hiram       3.07  +2.23    6    5.60  +2.07   13
Eustis           1.22  +0.46    4    3.31  +0.38   13
Frenchville      0.88  +0.18    5    2.82  +0.11   13
Gray             2.90  +2.08    5    5.01  +1.51   12
Greenville_ME    1.44  +0.67    5    2.95  -0.32   13
Guilford         1.67  +0.90    5    3.70  +0.43   14
Hollis           3.68  +2.84    6    6.54  +2.92   12
Houlton          1.36  +0.59    5    2.78  -0.09   16
Kennebunkport    3.42  +2.53    6    6.80  +3.11   12
Livermore_Falls  2.47  +1.63    5    4.83  +1.37   12
Moosehead        1.52  +0.75    5    3.00  -0.06   14
New_Sharon       2.44  +1.60    5    4.11  +0.65   11
Patten           1.66  +0.89    5    3.34  +0.47   15
Portage          0.47  -0.23    4    2.35  -0.29   14
Portland_ME      2.90  +2.08    5    5.46  +1.96   12
Rangeley         1.90  +1.18    5    3.78  +1.10   14
Sebec_Lake       1.46  +0.69    5    3.20  -0.07   13
Vanceboro        1.44  +0.60    5    3.30  -0.06   15
Waterville       2.43  +1.59    4    4.55  +1.22   11
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Barnstead        3.15  +2.45    6    5.61  +2.81   13
Benton           2.44  +1.67    7    4.21  +1.30   14
Berlin_AG        2.69  +1.91    7    4.71  +1.55   14
Bethlehem        2.67  +1.93    7    4.27  +1.43   16
Concord          2.83  +2.13    6    5.18  +2.38   12
Diamond_Pond     2.00  +1.11    6    3.95  +0.66   18
First_Conn_Lake  1.93  +1.04    5    4.06  +0.77   16
Greenville       4.52  +3.68    6    7.60  +4.24   12
Keene_AP         2.35  +1.51    5    4.91  +1.64   15
Lakeport         3.22  +2.39    7    5.60  +2.43   14
Marlow           2.65  +1.72    7    5.19  +1.52   15
Mt_Washington    4.72  +3.04    7    9.73  +2.79   19
North_Conway     2.88  +1.98    7    5.38  +1.67   14
Otter_Brook_Lk   2.84  +2.00    6    5.37  +2.10   15
Plymouth         2.79  +1.88    7    4.96  +1.47   13
Rochester        3.28  +2.40    5    6.27  +2.54   11
Weare            3.16  +2.23    5    6.63  +2.96   12
 
VERMONT
Ball_Mt_Lake     3.83  +2.78    6    6.97  +2.83   17
Bethel           3.02  +2.04    6    5.36  +1.51   12
Burlington_VT    2.51  +1.81    5    4.22  +1.45   14
East_Haven       3.49  +2.68    7    5.02  +2.01   15
Island_Pond      2.41  +1.57    7    4.30  +1.29   16
Montpelier       2.40  +1.66    7    4.27  +1.59   16
Morrisville_AG   2.82  +2.00    6    5.07  +1.94   18
Mount_Mansfield  5.88  +4.65    6   10.01  +5.05   21
Northfield       3.33  +2.50    7    5.35  +2.28   12
Pownal           3.09  +2.04    6    5.83  +1.69   19
Rochester        3.88  +2.90    7    6.54  +2.69   13
Rutland_AG       2.85  +2.08    7    4.54  +1.61   16
Sunderland       2.86  +2.05    6    5.84  +2.80   16
Sutton           2.58  +1.77    7    4.96  +1.95   17
Townshend_Lake   3.68  +2.86    6    6.93  +3.72   16
Union_Vill_Dam   2.63  +1.80    7    4.14  +1.06   15
 
MASSACHUSETTS
Ashburnham       3.67  +2.90    6    6.15  +2.99   14
Boston           3.32  +2.60    5    5.52  +2.40   12
Greenfield       3.85  +2.98    6    6.62  +3.14   17
New_Bedford      3.91  +3.09    5    6.95  +3.50   15
Otis_AFB         3.00  +2.16    4    5.91  +2.42   11
Plymouth         3.95  +3.04    7    6.35  +2.57   14
Walpole          4.23  +3.46    6    6.75  +3.37   15
West_Medway      4.44  +3.67    5    7.26  +3.88   12
Westover         3.22  +2.31    6    5.64  +2.00   16
Worcester        3.42  +2.44    6    5.74  +1.90   15
Worthington      4.17  +3.12    6    6.55  +2.41   17
 
RHODE ISLAND
Providence       3.94  +3.10    6    6.38  +2.85   16
Woonsocket       4.27  +3.36    5    7.75  +3.97   15
 
CONNECTICUT
Bakersville      3.94  +2.96    5    7.63  +3.92   14
Bridgeport       3.68  +2.77    5    7.29  +3.65   16
Hartford_AP      3.03  +2.05    5    5.49  +1.78   15
Norfolk          3.48  +2.46    5    6.24  +2.10   15
Norwich          3.89  +2.85    5    6.58  +2.33   14
Thomaston_Dam    3.48  +2.50    6    6.15  +2.05   17
Willimantic      3.60  +2.64    6    5.74  +1.84   16

Summary based on NWS data.
DFN = Departure From Normal (Using 1961-90 Normals
Period).
Precipitation (rain or melted snow/ice) in inches.
Precipitation Days = Days with precip of 0.01 inch or
more.
Air Temperatures in Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
Copyright 2002:  AWIS, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
 
For detailed ag weather forecasts and data visit the AWIS
home page at www.awis.com or call toll free at
1-888-798-9955.
 
Other Agricultural Comments and News

CONNECTICUT - Howard Rood (FSA), Fairfield/Litchfield: It
was a rainy and very cool week. Frost late in the week may
have damaged some tree crops. Ross Eddy (FSA),
Hartford/Tolland: Heavy rain on Monday yielded over 2.5
inches with another inch on Saturday, Planting field corn
progressed, however had to look for dry soils. Frost in
valleys still a threat. Some started setting broadleaf
tobacco on Friday. Shade tobacco also set out. Marsha
Jette (FSA), New London: Although field work has been held
up with recent week of rain, producers are breathing a
sigh of relief with much needed moisture. Waiting for
warmer weather, some early planted sweet corn experienced
frost damage. Southern part of the county expects to begin
picking early strawberries within ten days. Dawn Pindell
(FSA), Windham: Record cold weather for May at 32 degrees.
Concern for fruit set, still dry but getting some heavy
showers, planting is in full swing, hay crop is coming
along unevenly, fresh asparagus being marketed along with
bedding plants and hanging pots. Nancy Welsh/Karen Lockman
(FSA), New Haven: Weather has been not cooperative for
this time of year. Five  days of rain has many farmers
working on other things. We have had one night of frost.
The frost earlier in the month has caused damaged on
mainly peaches, pears, strawberries and apples. Vegetable
producers replanted what was already in the ground.

MAINE - Marvin Hedstrom, Northern Aroostook: Potatoes: Can
you believe the weather this past week, seven inches of
snow fell on Tuesday in Northern Aroostook County. Growers
got out early in the week and this weekend to plant,
otherwise the week was mostly lost due to weather. Some
lime spreading but that activity was curtailed by weather.
Some concern about condition of potato seed that has been
in the ground for some time. Pam Hickey (Ext), Central
Aroostook: Farmers are still attempting to work land and
plant potatoes and grains. The cool wet weather has slowed
this process down. Hopefully, we will receive some warmer
days to help get the crops planted. Steve London (Ext),
Southern Aroostook: We have had snow and rain this week
and did not do much field work. Albert Dow (NRCS),
Piscataquis: Farmers are planting. Weather is unseasonably
cold. Most pastures are not quite ready for grazing. Donna
Lamb (Ext), Piscataquis: Manure spreading, plowing and
some planting are farm activities for the past week. Janet
King (FSA), Somerset: Spring seem to be taking a long time
getting here this year. Some farmers have planted some
sweet and silage corn. Rain is a welcome site but we could
use some warmer weather for the planting and spring crops.
Rick Kersbergen (Ext), Waldo: Cool wet weather has slowed
crop work. Heavy frost last night. Strawberries may have
been damaged. Trudy Soucy (FSA), Knox/Lincoln: Fresh
greens are in and should be ready this week. Some corn is
up. A week of wet, cool weather has held up outdoor work.
Bees are in the fields, waiting for the blueberry blossoms
to open. David Yarborough (Ext), Washington: Wild
Blueberries: Fungicides continued to be applied to protect
plants from mummyberry disease. Bees being placed out in
wild blueberry fields not finding any open blossoms. Cool
weather continues to delay bloom. Many small spanworm seen
but cool weather keeping feeding activity low. Michael
Tardy (FSA), Androscoggin: We need warmth! We need dry
weather! We need whatever it takes to get these crops in
the ground and growing. The complaints are never ending
with crop growers. Mother Nature has not been very
helpful. Farmers are getting manure spread and some fields
are plowed or harrowed for planting. Everyone was
anticipating an early season, but we just have to take
what comes. The grass crop should be great, if the
producer can get to it. Market gardeners have got some
crops planted, plastic covers some sweet corn and
seedlings are flying out the doors. Perhaps the next week
will carry a heat wave our way. Parker Rand (FSA),
Cumberland/York: Still spreading manure and fertilizer,
plowing, and planting. Some are a little hesitant about
planting due to cold wet conditions. Small garden
vegetables (beet, lettuce, carrots) are doing well.
Greenhouse operators say plant sales are slow because of
cold weather. Gary Raymond (FSA), Franklin: Soil
conditions are still very cold. If the weather breaks this
week, all planting activities will be going full blast.
The hay crop is primed to grow. Hopefully the apple
blossoms will bring warm weather and bees. Time to clean
the pool? Laura Rand (FSA), Oxford: Rain, cold, windy, and
not very pleasant weather seemed to be the norm over the
week. Areas received up to 2 inches of snow the first part
of the week and some received wet snow on Saturday. Nights
have been down in the mid to upper 30's and the ground
received enough rain to stop all field work for the best
part of the week. Soil has been prepared and ready to go;
some seeds are planted, however, Mother Nature doesn't
appear to want to proceed! Most everyone is a little
behind in field work due to this week's weather. A couple
of warm days will push everything up and back on schedule.
Amazing how our lives depend on the weather. 

MASSACHUSETTS - Arthur Williams (FSA), Berkshire: Wet,
cold week. Some chemicals and fertilizer applied to the
fields. Two to four inches of wet snow on Saturday. Up to
three inches of rain during the week. Paul Russell (FSA),
Southeast Massachusetts: Cool wet weather has slowed all
activity. Seeds are not germinating, plants aren't
growing, all crops are behind schedule. Received over 4"
of rain last week which puts southeastern Mass about
normal for the year. Cranberry growers are still concerned
about frost as they apply fertilizer and are preparing for
their first fungicide spray. Vegetable growers did not get
much accomplished as wet weather prevented field work,
dairy farmers are preparing for the first cutting of hay
which has been help by the rain. Kip Graham (FSA),
Worcester: Taking advantage of the days available to get
into fields. Its been too wet much of the week. Getting
fields ready and planting corn has begun. Its been cold
and damp slowing down bloom development on fruit and
berries. Some early planting of vegetables begun. Grub
control undertaken in some areas. Fruit emergence slowed
down due to cold and rain. Rain preventing frost pockets.
Fruit and berries are looking good up to this moment.
David Rose (FSA), Bristol: Most of the week was spent
planting and preparing fields. Over 2 inches of rain
Saturday has slowed field work. Most fruit crops looking
good. Cooler than normal temperatures have slowed growth.
John Devine (FSA), Franklin: The big news this week was
the snow on Saturday. This established a new record for
the latest date of measurable accumulation in Franklin
County. This was followed by two nights of frost. Many
growers were out irrigating for frost protection. All
crops have been slowed by the cool and rainy conditions
over the past two weeks. One exception has been the hay
crop, which is growing in leaps and bounds. Rye has also
been growing very well. This has created some problems for
anyone who didn't start conventional tilling early. Ted
Smiarowski, Jr. (FSA), Hampshire/Hampden: It was a wet,
cold week. Frost two nights, May 19th and 20th with
temperatures in the mid to upper 20's. Growers were
irrigating all night long. Some irrigation pumps were
running 10 hours straight. Protective sprays were being
applied to orchards. The potato crop is 95 percent
planted. Gary Guida, Worcester: Well, another interesting
and challenging spring in New England. Got 2 inches of
snow Saturday and a nice hard freeze Sunday morning (being
sarcastic). Peaches and apples have extensive damage.
Growers who transplanted without crop protection lost all.
How cold was it here? 22 degrees. Fortunately corn not up
yet, and we didn't transplant crops. Wait and see for
strawberries. Bedding plant sales good rebound on Sunday.
Mostly perennials as consumers cautious about weather and
full moon on 26th. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Amy Ouellette (Ext), Belknap: Heavy rains
during week saturated fields and made planting nearly
impossible. Little or no corn planted during week.
Irrigation turned on over strawberry fields for frost
protection on May 18 & 19. Corn still being covered with
plastic. Unusual temperatures have caused damage to even
some cold tolerant annuals. Snow throughout county on May
18 slowed garden center and farm stand business
considerably. Most apple cultivars in full bloom. Bruce
Clement (Ext), Cheshire: Is the drought over yet? Rain,
rain, and more rain combined with cold  temperatures have
stalled plant germination and growth (except grasses).
Most of the silage corn acreage has been planted except on
upland soils, but little of it has germinated. Same story
with new seedings. Early vegetables (spinach, peas,
lettuce) are standing still. Some frost damage as well.
Bottom line: we've got adequate moisture, now we need warm
weather. Steve Turaj (Ext), Coos: Cold wet weather through
much of the week. Corn planting is delayed. Connecticut
and Adroscoggin rivers running at high levels. Fields
quite wet, need some dry weather to get crops in. Manure
hauled, some early vegetable planting being done. Some
farmers wondering whether they'll be cutting grass before
field corn planting. Cold temperatures seen to be holding
back growth. Still cold nights with frosts. Tom Buob
(Ext), Grafton: Cold weather continues. Forage crops
growing slowly. Corn planting continues but none has
emerged. George Hamilton (Ext), Hillsborough: Fruits:
Apples and pears are past petal fall stage in the Hollis
area and are in petal fall stage in later blooming areas
of the county. With all the rain during week, orchardists
making sure to have protective fungicide sprays applied.
Not as much damage to crop set as first thought to apple,
pears and peach due to freezing temperature week of April
22. There was very minor damage to strawberries and some
damage to cherry fruit set. Vegetables: Harvesting
asparagus and some spinach. With the rain during week, it
was very difficult to do any field work, including making
successive plantings of sweet corn and trying to finish
potato planting. In fields where soil dries quickly, some
growers were plowing, disking fertilizing and laying down
plastic mulch and drip irrigation tape. Weed spraying
sweet corn fields. Field Crops: Fixing pasture fences
during raining weather. Spreading manure, plowing,
disking, fertilizing and planting corn on fields that are
not too wet. David Seavey (Ext), Merrimack: Hayland and
pasture seedings on well-drained soils. Seeding cool
season vegetables. Fertilizing hayfields, tree fruits,
blueberries, and field grown nursery stock. Orchards
spraying for apple scab between showers. Some frost in
low-lying areas reported to cause damage to strawberry
blossoms and possibly apple blossoms. Good planting
weather for fruit trees, high bush blueberries and
ornamental nursery stock. Blueberries and apples in full
bloom. Corn planting delayed due to wet soils. Nada Haddad
(Ext), Rockingham: Rain, snow, frost, wind and cold
weather prevailed this week. Field work delayed because of
the wet and cold conditions. Protective orchard sprays
were difficult to be done because of rain and cold. Bee
pollination was slowed due to weather. Frost has damaged
some apple and peach blossoms. Planting fruit trees and
small fruits. Preparing seed beds, discing and applying
fertilizer and black plastic for vegetables. Plant growth
was slow. Pam Marvin (FSA), Sullivan: With snow in most
areas of the county on Saturday, unknown as to what affect
it had on strawberry plants and early vegetables. Many
silage corn fields are still being plowed, harrowed and
seeded. Need a break in rain showers so producers can
start chopping a good crop of alfalfa. Cooler than normal
temperatures having an affect on the germination and
growth of planted silage corn and early vegetables. Many
days this week had strong gusty winds which has
contributed to a lack of bees for pollination. Geoffery
Njue (Ext), Strafford: Field work continues between rainy
days. Harrowing and corn planting continued in the week.
Many vegetable fields have been planted. Greenhouse
tomatoes are looking good. Many farmers are hoping for
warmer temperatures for quick germination. Most hay fields
are looking good and close to be harvested. Fungicides
applications going on for apple scab. Greenhouse operators
had a good Mother's Day weekend. 

RHODE ISLAND - Karen Menezes (Ext), Newport: A week full
of contrasts. Good rain was welcomed, but held up farmers
from continueing field work. Potatoes are emerging, cole
crops are doing well, planting of field and sweet corn
held up this week. Roadside stands watched as customers
rode by on Saturday while more than two inches of rain
fell. Birds are standing around applauding the bloom of
strawberries and blueberries. Marilu Soileau (FSA), All
Counties: Plenty of rain this week, helped to hold off on
drought warnings - still in a watch status. Light frost
over the weekend. Farmers are plowing and harrowing in
preparation for planting. Cool weather seems to have
blooms stalled. Dogwoods and lilacs still in bloom.

VERMONT -  John St. One (FSA), Lamoille: If the weather
improves from last week's snow/rain maybe farmers can
resume normal field activities. Plenty of moisture but
need some heat. Planting is a little behind schedule but
hopefully can catch up with a stretch of good weather.
Bill Snow (Ext), Orange: Very cold and wet weather has
delayed crop planting and growth of what corn was planted
early. Snow covering the ground twice during the week.
Significant rainfall during the week helped surface water
supplies. Dave Blodgett (NRCS), Orleans: Last week was
very cold and wet. The area saw snow on several days.
Landowners are spreading manure and commercial fertilizer
on fields. Not much cultivation occurred last week due to
the wet conditions. Most farms have begun to pasture their
animals. Lynette Hamilton (FSA), Windham: Snow and frosty
morning this past weekend has set all the producers in a
tail spin. Irrigating strawberries and blueberries to keep
from freezing at blossom time is a nightmare. There will
be some replanting of corn where it has emerged and has
been frozen. George Cook (Ext), Lamoille: Cold, wet, rainy
week with over 3 inches of rainfall. Monday - heavy rain
totaling 1.35 inches. Some corn planted, none emerged,
need drying, warming sunshine to prevent seed rot. Other
field work mostly on hold last week. Bulk fertilizer
tenders sitting idle in fields. Jeff Carter (Ext),
Addison: Continue to plant alfalfa and grass hay fields,
planting corn between rains. Some manure spreading. Some
fertilizing hay fields. Grass and alfalfa hay crop looks
good. Dennis Kauppila (Ext), Caledonia: 2.5 inches of rain
very welcome this week. Most of the manure spread and
grass seedings in. Have not heard of any corn in the
ground yet, but it is getting to be time. Some dairy cows
out onto pasture. Still in the 30's many nights. Sherwin
Williams, Rutland: First cutting of asp, slow, need sun
and warmth. Still plowing under big crop of winter rye.
Two inches of rain last week. Fertilizer applied before
planting. Strawberries in blossom. Have used sprinklers to
keep off frost. First planting of sweet corn just pricking
the ground. Too cold. Early planting of peas up enough to
follow rows. Radishes, spinach and lettuce beginning to
show. A rainy week. "Think Sun" and hope for warm days.
Maria Garcia (Ext), Chittenden: At this stage, it is
difficult to determine fruit set. Temperatures have been
unusually cold and pollination conditions poor. 

Reporters are from: Extension Service (Ext), Farm Service
Agency(FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Services
(NRCS), or other knowledgeable individuals.
                                        
Contact Information

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Statisticians: Dave Mikelson, Robin Helrich
Stat Assistant: Wayne Colpitt
Deputy: David Luckenbach

New England Agricultural Statistics Service 
National Agricultural Statistics Service
United States Department of Agriculture
Aubrey R. Davis, Director
22 Bridge St, 3rd Floor
PO Box 1444
Concord, NH 03302-1444
Phone: (603) 224-9639
Fax: (603) 225-1434
Internet: http://www.usda.gov/nass/
E-Mail: nass.nh@nass.usda.gov

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