As reported by NASS on April 25, 2011

 MORE STORM SYSTEMS PASS THROUGH, INTERRUPT PLANTING

Farmers across Tennessee faced yet another week featuring multiple days of rain. Although storms were scattered and rainfall totals relatively low, conditions in most fields remained wet throughout the week. Repeated spurts of wet weather this spring have pushed corn planting behind schedule and, by week’s end, only 34 percent of the crop had been planted, compared to the average of 60 percent. Pasture conditions continued to improve with the wet, warm weather. The strawberry and apple crops were rated in mostly good condition and producers were able to harvest some strawberries last week. Farmers in some areas were also able to apply fertilizer to fields in preparation for planting and apply pesticides to the wheat crop, which remained rated in mostly good condition.

There was an average of 3 days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 38 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 29 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged about 9 degrees above normal statewide last week. Precipitation levels were below normal across the state, but only slightly below normal in West Tennessee .