Hickey

THOMASVILLE — Rainfall late this week — in Thomas County areas that got rain — will carry some crops through the upcoming week, said a local Extension Cooperative agent.

“But for some corn, it’s too late,” said Sydni Barwick, Thomas County agriculture and natural resources Extension agent.

Barwick said some farmers have insurance on corn crops, but what insurance pays will not provide monetary compensation expected yields would bring.

One-half to three-quarters of an inch of rain each week for the remainder of the month is needed.

When plants flower, they will require more moisture, Barwick said.

Thomas County farmer Ken Hickey planted 2,400 acres of cotton this year. Some, he said, came up, some is sitting in dust, “and some is in between.”

“In perfect conditions, an inch of rain a week would be be great,” said Hickey, who is also a Thomas County commissioner.

Once established, cotton will find moisture through its root system.

Hickey said he — and family members he farms with — might have to replant some cotton.

“A rain will show what will come up and what won’t,” he said.

Hickey and family members planted 640 acres of peanuts this year.

Low humidity in recent weeks, coupled with high temperatures and the sun, combine to evaporate moisture plants need, he explained.

Barwick said cotton was Thomas County’s biggest crop in 2018 at 31,000 acres. Countywide, 14,000 acres of peanuts were planted last year.

“Cotton and peanuts suffer. They’re young, some in the ground a month,” Barwick said.

A lot of Thomas County farmers irrigate row crops and pecans, she added.

Once cotton and peanuts emerge, their water demand lessens. By late June, the crops will be at their peak water demand.

Dry conditions also lead to worse weed and insect problems, Barwick said.

“Rain is in the forecast for his weekend, so hopefully we can all get some relief soon,” Barwick said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820