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Johnston County Tobacco News Update



Tropical Storm Isaias
Yet again we are confronted with another storm event which is the very last news that any of our farms and crops need at this time. I am very sorry that things continue to be so difficult and we have literally been battered from every  side during the past 5 years.  I know it is terribly discouraging to you and it is to me as well.

I have been sending updates over the past couple of days from the National Weather Service.  I will continue to do this when I can and I hope you find them useful.  If you have not received them, that means I need to add you to a separate email list.  Please send me an email requesting that addition to b[email protected].

Power Outages
Looking at the most  recent forecast, it appears that our roughest time will be tonight. Power outages on barns will likely be the short-term challenge.  If your power goes out, once you have an estimated restoration time, please let me know by text if that time is more than you feel you can manage.  Send that information to me at 919-500-1484.  It is possible that I may be able to work with our local emergency management to get some priority on agricultural interests.  We will certainly do our best.  Obvious first concerns are sites like hospitals and nursing homes.

Rainfall
It looks l ike we could receive 4-6 inches of rain.  2-3 inches of rain would be welcome in many areas but 6 inches is obviously excessive.  However, I do not expect that this will be our major challenge if predictions hold true.  If the rainfall is more severe and you are cut off from agricultural interests due to flooding or road damage, please let me know that as well.

Wind
Wind is our number one concern.  However, since it is relatively early in the harvest season still and our upper stalk leaves are not mature, I do have reason to believe that the rapid senescence from ethylene will not be as significant as Florence which occurred in September.  However, due to the mass of leaves on the stalk, tobacco being blown down, and leaned will likely be much worse.  This will certainly complicate harvest and sucker management. Thankfully, most of our stalk rundown materials have been applied at this point.

Text Alerts
Anyone who receives text messages can subscribe to receive text alerts about the tobacco crop in Johnston County.  To subscribe send a text message to 40404.  The message should be  Follow @Tobaccodoc

You can also click the button below to "like" our Johnston County Cooperative Extension Facebook page to stay updated on general news.

For more updates from NC Cooperative Extension, Johnston County Center check out our News & Updates Page.
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Disclaimer agrichemicals:
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader.  The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.  Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label.  Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.  For assistance, contact your county Cooperative Extension agent.