September 20, 2002

Friday Global Crop Condition Brief

The following series of graphics highlight notable weather and crop developments in key production areas. Featured countries/regions this week are Australia, Eastern Europe, West Africa, the United States, and Cuba.

Small amounts of rain (1 to 1 1/2 inches) fell in western Australia and New South Wales.  It arrived too late to offset lost yield potential and lower planting due to dryness from April to early September, 2002.

Eastern Europe soil moisture conditions are much dryer this year than last, with the exception of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

Some portions of the cotton areas in the Franc-zone countries have been affected by the dry conditions.  Cotton harvesting will begin in October.

While still fairly dry in the Southern Plains, much needed rain fell this past week.  Rains in the southeast may affect cotton harvesting.  More rains in the southeast may be likely from Hurricane Isidore.

While still fairly dry in the Southern Plains winter wheat growing areas, there is more moisture available for winter wheat emergence and establishment this year than last.  While being moister, more and timely precipitation is still needed across much of northern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The red line is for 2002, note the trend for recent rainfall is region wide, including the "still droughty" eastern Colorado.

Go to the September 13, 2002 Brief

For more information, contact the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division at 202-720-0888, or by e-mail at pecad@fas.usda.gov.