As reported by NASS on July 18, 2011

HIGH TEMPS PERSIST ACROSS TENNESSEE.  Above normal temperatures and variable precipitation headlined the state’s weather last week. Scattered showers were reported in areas across the state; however, there were reports of crops showing signs of heat stress in some areas. Soybean growers were busy this week making post emergence and fungicide applications. Other field activities last week included topping tobacco and harvesting a second cutting of hay. Corn, cotton, soybeans, and tobacco were rated in mostly good-to-excellent condition. Pastures were rated in mostly fair-to-good condition.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 22 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged above normal over all of Tennessee last week. Precipitation averaged above normal in East Tennessee and below normal in West Tennessee.