As reported by NASS on August 15, 2011

Variable Crop Conditions Within Counties.  Last week brought only scattered showers in most counties leaving a scenario, at week’s end, where all regions could use a general rainfall. Despite this generally dry pattern, crops overall remain rated in good-to-excellent condition. Most counties have crops in all condition categories from very poor to excellent. Hay, corn silage, and tobacco harvest, as well as, topping tobacco and spraying pesticides continued to be the most common farm activities. Pastures are mostly in fair-to-good condition but, some areas are poor even for this time of year.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 12 percent very short, 37 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 10 percent very short, 36 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures continued being above average last week although some relief came at week’s end. Precipitation was virtually non-existent in some areas, while other areas received as much as two inches.