The Southeast Farm Press reported this week that the peanut harvest in South Carolina is underway and that yields this year have been affected by pests and weather.  Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus has been more prevalent this year than in previous years, and SC extension agents attribute that in part to the relatively mild winter we had last year, which allowed the thrips which carry the virus to overwinter in greater numbers.

Variable rainfall was another issue.  Early in the season dry conditions and some drought stressed the crops, while later in the season rains from TS Hermine dropped 5-9 inches in some areas.  But because the fields were dry to start with and because Hermine was followed by a week of hot and dry weather, impacts were mild.  Now farmers need dry conditions to harvest the peanuts as they reach maturity..

You can read more about the impacts of pests and weather here.

Source: USDA ARS
Source: USDA ARS