Category Archives: Pasture

As reported by NASS on May 13, 2013

 COOL, WET CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO SLOW SPRING PLANTING

Farmers once again struggled to get out into the fields last week due to persistent wet conditions. Almost half of the farmland in the state is reported as having surplus soil moisture levels. These wet conditions have made for a very slow start with corn, cotton, and soybean plantings falling about two weeks below the five year average. Corn growth is also being slowed due to the cooler than normal weather for this time of year. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on April 22, 2013

CORN PLANTING STILL DELAYED

Corn producers made the most of the four days of planting weather last week but still lag behind where they would like to be. Planting is about a week behind the five-year average pace. Cotton and soybean plantings have yet to begin, but that is not unusual for this time of year. The wheat acreage has been top-dressed and was reported in good-to-excellent condition with the crop just starting to head. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on April 15, 2013

CORN PLANTING CONTINUED AT A SNAIL’S PACE

Growers report corn planting progress has been set-back by a week and a half from normal and a full three weeks behind last year’s record pace due to cooler than normal temperatures and wet fields. Moderate weather finally returned late last week and accelerated the wheat and fruit crop development but these crops still remained behind normal development. Pastures were greening and growing rapidly and were rated in mostly good to excellent condition. Continue reading →

The 2013 Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops (PB1768) is now available on the web.

Printed copies will soon be available at your County Extension Office and at many upcoming educational events.

As reported by NASS on October 22, 2012

CARBON COPY OF PREVIOUS WEEK —

HARVEST CONTINUES BUT SLOWED BY RAIN

Farmers continued last week with the fall harvest but rains kept them out of the field for two days. Harvest, though, remains near an average pace. The soybean and cotton crops were basically mature at week’s end and awaiting harvest when appropriate. The harvest focus is on soybean fields many of which need to dry down further before harvest. Reported yields per acre to date have been highly variable. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on October 15, 2012

 FALL HARVEST PROGRESSED AT A GOOD RATE DESPITE RAINFALL

Farmers continued, between rain showers, to make relatively good harvest progress last week. At week’s end, hay and corn harvest were virtually finished. Growers have turned their focus to gathering the soybean and cotton crops and hope to complete tobacco harvest this upcoming week. Other endeavors included wheat seeding, stripping tobacco, fall calving and insect control. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on October 9, 2012

 RAINS SLOW HARVESTING

Rains continued to slow harvest and other fall activities last week. Farmers, with four and a half days suitable for field work, made the most of these conditions as they were active harvesting corn, cotton, tobacco, soybeans, and hay. In addition, cotton defoliation and wheat seeding occupied their time. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on October 1, 2012

MILD AUTUMN WEATHER GOOD FOR HARVEST

Despite scattered showers last week, corn harvest was coming to a close and farmers have turned their focus to harvesting cotton and soybeans. Cotton, soybean, and burley tobacco harvest was progressing at a near normal pace, while dark fire and dark air-cured tobacco harvest continued to lag behind, reportedly because of labor shortages. Many farmers wrapped-up the fall hay harvest last week. A few wheat growers have begun seeding. Continue reading →

I am re-running the article below ….. there are many reports of heavy infestations of fall armyworms in pasture grasses and yards.  I’ll also refer you to a previous article on this subject. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on September 17, 2012

VERY BUSY WEEK OF FARMING!

Corn and hay harvest were still going strong last week but were accompanied by the start of soybean and cotton harvests. Dark tobacco harvest continued to run behind schedule. Growers reported struggling to get the heavy leaves into the barn. Scarcity of labor has also contributed to the delay. Cotton was opening with defoliation underway. The soybean crop was filling pods nicely. Pastures were in good condition for this time of year but weedy. Insects, particularly armyworms, were present. Continue reading →

I received a request from Dr. Marty Draper (NIFA, National Program Leader, Divisions of Plant Systems).  He was asked to help get the word out about concerns for moving fire ants from quarantine areas in hay that is being sold into drought stricken areas of the country that may be vulnerable to fire ant establishment, Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on September 10, 2012

TOPSOIL MOISTURE SUPPLIES GREATLY IMPROVED

Plentiful rain fell across the state last week benefitting crops and boosting soil moisture supplies. The condition of cotton, soybeans, and tobacco crops improved and were rated in mostly good condition. Corn harvest continued at a rapid pace two weeks ahead of normal. Continue reading →