As reported by NASS on October 17, 2011

WELCOME RAINS FOR SOME – SLIGHT HARVEST DELAYS FOR OTHERS

Tennessee farmers last week were greeted with rainfall that slightly delayed fall harvest but was welcomed by growers seeding wheat and forage. Corn and tobacco harvest at week’s end was just about wrapped-up while the pace for soybeans and cotton picked-up steam and was less than a week behind schedule. Besides fall harvest and seeding activities, Tennessee producers were defoliating cotton, cutting hay and preparing tobacco for market. Pastures were rated in fair-to-good condition.

There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 25 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 30 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged about 3 to 4 degrees above normal across Tennessee last week. Rainfall averaged below normal over West and Middle Tennessee and above normal across the remainder of the state.

County Agent Comments

“Crop conditions are very good in Lauderdale County. Corn, Cotton and Beans are being harvested at this time. Fall is providing a favorable environment for harvest. Pasture condition is good for Beef Cattle Producers. No one is feeding hay and producers have plenty of hay stockpiled for winter months.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County were busy this week finishing up on defoliation, along with cotton and bean harvest. We did have a front move in Wednesday with a few showers. We need the rain but farmers harvesting would have wished for this to hold. Dews have been heavy and harvest usually begins after 10:00.” Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

“A small amount of precipitation (.1″-.3″) fell mid-week giving farmers a short, but needed break from harvesting. Combines were running again by Thursday afternoon as producers made great strides this week in harvesting soybeans and additional acres of slow drying corn. Wheat producers are seeding wheat at a brisk clip with excellent fall weather.”

Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“A mid-week shower helped settle the dust and improve pastures. Soybean harvest continued at week’s end with highly variable yield reports coming in.” Calvin Bryant, Lawrence County

“Most of the county got another inch of rain last week which halted harvest for a couple of days. Corn harvest is about done. Recent rain has helped green pastures.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“Corn yields appear to be about average which is welcome news this year. Soybean yields look to be slightly below average but they range from very good in places to poor. Seed sales for permanent pasture, ryegrass and wheat are up compared to the last couple of years. For the most part feeder cattle look good.” Richard Groce, Maury County

“Good week on finishing most of the tobacco harvesting. Nearly all fall cut hay is finished. Corn and soybean harvesting is slow getting started.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Most of the county got over an inch of rain over a few days this week. It slowed soybean harvest, fall seeding of wheat and pastures, and late fall hay cutting but helped pastures and newly seeded wheat. Some soybeans still have leaves and need more time before frost.” J. Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Mid-week rains brought moisture to newly-seeded pastures. Corn grain harvest is nearing completion.” John Wilson, Blount County

“The cooler weather that we have been experiencing has caused the fescue and other cool season grasses to jump up with excellent growth. Anyone who is stock piling fescue for winter grazing should have an excellent amount of forage for winter.” Steven Huff, Cocke County

“Our late crop tomatoes are looking good.” Anthony Carver, Grainger County