Mild September weather has been favorable for farmers in Columbia County to harvest the peanut crop. Following a dry start to the season, conditions were overall favorable for a good crop. Farmers in the county are reporting only 6 days with measurable rainfall in September. Rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Hermine the first week of September is the only significant moisture for the month in the Lake City area. These warm and dry conditions are good for peanut harvesting, as peanut vines are dug and laid on the soil surface to dry. Vines must be dry to efficiently separate the peanuts from the plants. These conditions are a strong contrast with the peanut harvest of 2015, when it rained 18 of 30 days in September, with cool wet conditions the entire month. Peanut harvest is about 50% complete in Columbia County and farmers are reporting good yields and quality.

Favorable September weather has led to good peanut harvesting conditions in Columbia County. A peanut combine dumps harvested peanuts into a wagon at the I.C. Terry Farm.