As reported by NASS on July 11, 2011

SCATTERED SHOWERS PROVIDED SOME MUCH NEEDED RAINS
A stalled cold front covered much of the state early in the week providing the conditions for scattered showers. A second cold front mid-week brought additional showers. However, by week’s end much of the state had returned to dry weather and hot temperatures. Most areas received enough rain to keep soil moisture levels healthy while still providing farmers with enough dry time to conduct fieldwork. The majority of Tennessee’s crops are rated in good condition. This year’s corn crop is doing quite well, with over a third of the crop rated in excellent condition. Wheat harvest is nearly complete and yields are excellent. Almost all of the soybeans are planted and emerged with over a quarter of the crop already blooming.

Other field activities last week included topping tobacco and applying pesticides. Although the majority of the state’s pastures and hay fields were rated in good condition, portions of the state could still use more rain. Some producers have already begun a second cutting of hay.
There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 11 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 11 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged 2-5 degrees above normal over all of Tennessee. Precipitation averaged above normal in West and Middle Tennessee but below normal in East Tennessee.