Drought conditions lessen during last 60 days

Oconee and Pickens are among 14 South Carolina counties removed from incipient status–the first level of drought–as conditions have improved,  in the estimation of the state Drought Response Committee.  According to Hope Mizzell, state climatologist, most of South Carolina received normal to above normal rainfall over the last 60 days.  The marketing specialist for the agriculture department, Katherine Helms, reports farming is in a better state.  The cotton harvest is coming to a close and the soybean harvest is underway.  Winter wheat is being planted.  Some fields have already started sprouting.  Livestock producers with grazing livestock have been able to plant grazing forages. Improvements in stream flows, along with stable groundwater levels, support a downgrade in the status for most counties across the state.