As reported by NASS on May 14, 2012

WEEKEND SHOWERS WELCOMED BY FARMERS

Showers and thunderstorms provided some needed relief this weekend, but it has been so dry recently that all regions of the state continue to need a general soaking rain. Crops continue to develop at rapid rate well ahead of normal. Corn planting is complete, all emerged and in mostly good condition. Cotton and soybean planting and tobacco transplanting were the main farm activities last week. Fertilizing, spraying post-emergence herbicides and hay harvest were also major farm activities. The wheat crop is ripening and farmers expect to begin harvest within the next two weeks. Strawberry harvest is on-going. Pastures are in fair-to-good condition.

There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 12 percent very short, 30 percent short, 56 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 10 percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state averaged near to slightly above normal. Rainfall amounts averaged above normal in the middle region and below normal across the remainder of the state.

County Agent Comments

 “Corn planting is done. Need a good rain. Soybean planting has begun at a moderate pace. Cotton planting also at moderate pace with more to come. Wheat changing color rapidly with dry weather. We probably see some trying to harvest some in about two weeks. Producers busy catching up on needed spraying from pre-emergence applications not working as well as needed due to lack of rainfall for activation.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Top soil moisture is gone and planting has ceased.” Greg Allen, Lake County

“Lauderdale County got a much need rain last week and could use a slow soaker this week. Farmers continue to have good planting weather for Soybeans and Cotton. Corn planting for the county is complete and several producers are finished planting beans, as well. Cotton planting is well underway. Pastures overall are in good condition with a few areas becoming dry. Farmers are cutting hay this week.” J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County

“A general rain (1/2-1″) across the county was very welcome. Winds have made herbicide applications difficult.”  Richard Buntin, Crockett County

“Producers have made great strides in planting soybeans with little to no precipitation delays. Soil moisture is becoming a limiting factor for both soybean seeding and established corn crops. Producers have been busy applying post-emerge weed control herbicides in corn, side-dressing nitrogen in corn and planting soybeans.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Some spotty showers but not enough to help with drought type conditions that are becoming more prevalent. Some folks are saying this is the driest early May they have seen. Soil crust is preventing no-till drilling.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“Soybean planting has been halted due to dry conditions.” Steve Harris, Coffee County

“With the exception of the far western portion of the County it was another dry week. Isolated thunderstorms on Saturday (05/05) and Sunday (05/06) produced from 1.0 to 2.0 inches of rain in the far western portion of the county giving much relief to crop and planting progress. Showers this past weekend (05/12-13) produced general rain producing from 0.5 to nearly one inch in isolated areas. Despite dry conditions the corn crop is holding on and making slow progress. The wheat crop continues to rapidly ripen, Cotton and soybean planting has slowed and emergence has been sporadic. Pastures need water.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Another dry week. Planting has stopped. Farmers reporting 50% to 30% hay yield compared to last spring. Fertilizing, spraying and hay harvest major activities for week. Need rain desperately.” Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Rain showers early and late in the week brought welcome moisture, more is needed. Strawberry crop still looks good.”  John Wilson, Blount County

 Two 3/10 inch showers this week has helped. Most corn planting is complete. Wheat is beginning to yellow. Corn looks better. Rain forecasts have hindered hay cutting/baling.” John Goddard, Loudon County