As reported by NASS on May 9, 2011

STORMS AND FLOODING CONTINUE TO SIGNIFICANTLY DELAY PLANTING

Farmers in East Tennessee were busy assessing storm damage last week as farmers in other areas braced for the effects of widespread flooding. Several acres of wheat were in standing water by week’s end. Departures from normal rainfall totals have reached double-digit levels for most areas of West Tennessee. Corn planting is three weeks behind average. While hay and forage grasses have experienced robust growth, hay cutting has also been delayed. Wheat producers that were able to get into their fields were busy applying fungicide last week to combat the threat posed by excessively damp soil. Cotton planting progress stands at only 2 percent, two and one-half weeks behind normal. Full-season soybean planting had just started at week’s end, about two weeks late.

There was an average of 2 days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 52 percent adequate and 48 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 50 percent adequate and 50 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged 3 to 5 degrees below normal. Precipitation levels were near normal for East and Middle Tennessee, while West Tennessee received well above-normal rainfall.

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.