The very wet April followed by the very dry May have caused a variety of agricultural impacts in the Southeast.  Here is a sampling of what I have seen in news stories.

The Southeast Farm Press noted that the dry conditions in early May came at a bad time for pre-applied herbicides to activate.  Weeds such as Palmer amaranth are starting to emerge and producers are looking for ways to deal with the lack of control (link).

The wet conditions in the central Plains have improved pastures and livestock producers are beginning to rebuild the cattle herds they culled during the past drought (link from AgWeb/Beef Today).  According to another story on AgWeb, the rains will also help the crops in the Corn Belt as temperatures rise.

The Packer reported that avocado harvest in Florida is about to begin.  The weather this year has been good for avocado growth and good supplies are expected this year as long as no hurricanes move across the region and damage the crops (link).

In a separate story today, The Packer reported that Georgia and California peaches are hitting the market this week.  Sizes are small but the quality is good.  This is especially fortunate considering the scare with a late frost in some parts of the state.  The story notes that the two weeks of hot, dry weather in early May helped the fruit develop quickly and pumped a lot of sugar into the fruit, making them taste great.

WALB had a story noting that peanut growers were delayed by the very wet April and were behind in planting.  The dry conditions in the first part of the month helped them get out into the fields in May and the planting progressed rapidly (link).  Rome Ethredge also reported today that dryland peanuts are having a hard time emerging due to the recent dry conditions.  He says some areas will have to wait to plant until more moisture is available for germination (link from Growing Georgia).

Source: Rome Ethredge, Seminole County E News
Source: Rome Ethredge, Seminole County E News
Source: Rome Ethredge, Seminole Crop E News
Source: Rome Ethredge, Seminole Crop E News