As reported by NASS on August 12, 2013

 WET CONDITIONS PERSIST, HIGHER THAN AVERAGE YIELDS EXPECTED

Rain continued this past week, with only 3 days suitable for field work across the state. The down side of the persistent rainfall is the farmers’ inability to stay ahead of weed and insect problems. On a positive note, there are excellent chances of harvesting an exceptional crop this fall. Crops continue to be rated in good-to-excellent condition. Corn has been forecast to reach 146 bushels per acre, only two bushels shy of the record of 148 set in 2009. Despite concerns over having sufficient heat, the average cotton yield is forecast to reach a record 979 pounds of lint per acre.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 34 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged near normal this past week across most of the state, with slightly below normal temperatures over the Cumberland Plateau. Rainfall averaged above normal for the entire state.

 County Agent Comments

  All crops are progressing well. The corn crop is looking good, beans are progressing well, and cotton is doing okay but could use some warm, sunny days. Who would ever expect to see water standing in some row middles in early August! Just proves every year is different and hard to predict. Tim Campbell, Dyer County

Of course, this is ideal weather for soybeans and corn but for cotton, it’s not so good. We are just not getting the upper temperatures needed for optimal cotton growth, and the excess moisture, combined with nitrogen, can cause excessive vegetative growth. Cattle are in great condition, and this weather is ideal for pastures. JC Dupree, Lauderdale County

The crops are shaping up to produce a bountiful harvest. Plant bugs are continuing to be a problem in cotton. Producers are constantly spraying for pigweeds as the showers continue to produce flushes of the weed. Walter Battle, Haywood County

 It rained just about every day this week. Plant bugs and stink bugs are our number 1 pest this week, but it’s been too wet to spray. Corn is starting to change color to the yellow green and starting to dry down. We just need a little sunshine. Jake Mallard, Madison County

It has been a very unusual week in August. Rainfall has occurred every day this week with high temperatures hitting the mid-90’s only once. Corn is maturing slowly and July planted soybeans are struggling to grow due to wet soil conditions and cloudy days. Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

Continuous rainfall has greatly hampered field work for dark tobacco and hay harvesting. Saturated soils and flooding have caused damage to some of the double crop soybeans planted in river bottoms. Overall, the majority of the crops are in good-to-excellent condition. Ronnie Barron, Cheatham County

Weather flecking injury has been widespread on tobacco. Many farms are trying to cut hay again, but frequent showers this week have delayed progress. Paul Hart Robertson County

Scattered to isolated showers and thunderstorms throughout the week produced from 1.0 to 3.5 inches of rain depending on location. Soybean producers continue to apply herbicides and fungicides between rain events. Early planted corn is beginning to turn and show signs of maturing. Almost daily showers have prevented second cuttings of hay. Ed Burns, Franklin County

Several thunderstorms brought between two and four inches of rain to much of the county, second-cutting hay progress was slowed as a result. Late-planted soybeans are taking advantage of the rains and making a good start. John Wilson, Blount County