As reported by NASS on May 21, 2012

COTTON AND SOYBEAN PLANTING CONTINUES.  Taking advantage of good planting weather, farmers continued with cotton and soybean planting in anticipation of weekend rains. Although some rainfall was received, most could still use a good soaking rain to help emerged crops develop. Over one-third of wheat crop is ripe, and farmers are readying combines for an early harvest possibly starting in the next few days. There were reports of spraying for thrips and armyworms. Harvesting hay, fertilizing, transplanting tobacco, and spraying insecticides and herbicides were other major farm activities last week. Pastures have improved some with recent rains and the majority are rated in good condition.

There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 6 percent very short, 26 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 7 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged above normal across the west and middle portions of the state with closer to average temperatures for the east and plateau regions. Rainfall amounts averaged below normal in the western and middle portions of the state and near normal across the plateau and east.

County Agent Comments

 “Crop conditions are favorable with much needed rain. Rain is in the forecast but conditions are becoming droughtier. Wheat is drying down quickly. Harvest has not begun as of this week. Farmers have been spraying soybeans for thrips and forage crops for armyworms. Cattle are in good conditions with the hay cutting season well underway.”  J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County

“Soybean planters have caught up to wheat in many locations and topsoil moisture shortage has stopped some producers from planting. Corn is showing signs of an early drought and a good, general rain is badly in need. Wheat harvest will begin this weekend or early next week. Winter wheat harvest typically occurs in June, making a May harvest very unusual.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Rain last Sunday from 2″ to 6″ finally ended dry spring conditions. Hay yields drastically decreased (40-50%) from last year. “ Paul Hart, Robertson County

“Maury County received about 2 inches of rain on May 12&13. Totals varied from 1.5 to 3.0 inches. Soybean planting has started up again and the first cutting of hay is in full swing. Hay yields are below average and most of the fescue is more mature than usual for the time of year. Hay supplies may be tight if we don’t get enough rain for a good yield on the second cutting. Pastures are slowly improving.” Richard Groce, Maury County

“Hay cutting in full swing. Getting harder to locate custom hay processing farmers. Spring hay may be a little short, some because of light moisture some because of lack of fertilization. Most green beans have been planted.”  Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“The (wheat) crop is drying down rapidly without any moisture. Producers are preparing combines for harvest and anticipate limited harvest will begin in the coming week, which is about two weeks ahead of schedule. Farmers got an excellent start planting the (corn) crop; however, it is the poorest looking crop most can remember. Several producers resumed planting (soybeans) this week in hopes of taking advantage of the moisture that fell this past weekend. Like corn, emergence has been sporadic. One farmer has lost 40 acres in river bottom land to slug damage. Most producers are reporting nearly done with planting single crop beans. Dry conditions have not been favorable to good cotton emergence. The (canola) crop is maturing and producers will begin applying harvest aid products at the start of next week. The bulk of the first hay cutting is complete; the crop was less than anticipated due to early warm temperatures causing cool season grasses to head earlier than normal. Without rain pastures and hay fields are providing little regrowth. Producers are beginning to become concerned about future hay stocks. While temperatures have been warm enough for warm season grass growth lack of moisture has not allowed for these to fill the gap.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Lots of hay baled this week. Weather forecasts have not favored hay cutting. Corn is looking better due to spotty showers. Some of wheat has lodged due to storm damage.” John Goddard, Loudon County

“Rainfall early in the week has helped, however dry conditions still exist in the county.” Jerry Lamb, Rhea County