As reported by NASS on May 2, 2011

SEVERE STORMS BRING HEAVY RAIN, HALT PLANTING EFFORTS

Damaging storms dumped record-level precipitation in areas and kept farmers out of fields for most of the week, wrapping up a significantly wetter-than-normal April in Tennessee. Farmers in several counties were faced with tornados, flooding, power outages, and livestock losses. Some corn and wheat acreage remained underwater or in saturated soil at week’s end, particularly in West Tennessee. Wet weather and soaked fields have delayed corn, cotton and soybean planting along with wheat fungicide applications and hay cutting. Producers were reported to have mostly adequate hay stocks. The wheat crop continued to progress and by week’s end, two-thirds of the crop had reached the headed stage.

 There was a statewide average of 2 days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 37 percent adequate, and 63 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 45 percent adequate, and 55 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees above normal. Precipitation levels were above normal across the state, with West Tennessee receiving 7 inches of rainfall in excess of normal.