As reported by NASS on October 24, 2011

GOOD WEEK FOR FARMING!

Fall harvest progress is right on target with the average rate thanks to five full days suitable for fieldwork last week. Grower’s also reported adequate rainfall to assist the emerging winter wheat and forage crops. Routine activities, other than harvest and seeding last week, included final application of cotton defoliant, preparing tobacco for sale, and marketing calves. Pastures continue in fair-to-good condition for this time of year.

There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 21 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 31 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged about 2 to 6 degrees below normal across Tennessee last week. Rainfall averaged above normal in the East and Plateau Regions of Tennessee and below normal across the remainder of the state.

County Agent Comments

“Majority of farmers are fairly enthusiastic about crop yields and having approximately three weeks of ideal weather condition for harvest. Still areas in county with late planted corn and beans that are drying down and almost all cotton has been defoliated. Good frost last week will certainly aid in cotton defoliation. Still lots of soybeans and cotton acreages to be harvested in Mississippi bottom areas.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The last of the cotton crop was defoliated Oct. 15th just ahead of deteriorating conditions. Time will tell if we did any good. Cotton yields have been improving over earlier harvested fields.” Richard Buntin, Crockett County

“The farmers in Fayette County received some rain and cooler weather this week. Farmers were busy harvesting cotton and beans both before and after the rain. Some had to wait a day or two, but got back to work. Pastures, hayfields, wheat and winter grasses needed the small amount of rain we received.” Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

“Rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday brought .5” to .75″ of precipitation; enhancing wheat emergence. Combines were back in the field by Thursday afternoon. Producers are making good progress harvesting corn, soybeans and cotton, as well as seeding wheat.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Corn harvest about wrapped up with yields fair to good. Pastures are looking fairly good due to fall rains. The county had 3 days of frost last week and two mornings of 32 degree temps.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“As of Oct. 21st, we have not had the freeze as predicted.” Cynthia Zeitz, Jackson County

“Corn harvest is almost over. Yields appear to be average or slightly above. Soybean harvest is going well. Yields appear to be slightly below average but they are variable. Feeder cattle numbers going to market are slower than anticipated for the time of year.” Richard Groce, Maury County

“Seasonable weather continues! Most areas saw a blanket of frost on Saturday, Oct. 22nd. Farmers were busy harvesting soybeans and cotton and preparing ground and sowing wheat.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Some wind and hail Tuesday, but no damage. Most corn still too high in moisture to combine.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Mid-week rainfall averaged about 2 inches across the county. Although this slowed harvesting activity it was much needed for fall-seeding of crops.” John Wilson, Blount County

“The light frost we had last week has caused many producers to watch where they pasture livestock. This is due to the presence of Johnson grass in pastures. Also the tomato crop has slowed due to low temperatures at night.” Anthony Carver, Grainger County

“3 inches of rain this week has helped droughty conditions. Most beef producers are feeding hay. Several are buying or looking to buy hay. Some folks put hay up last week and never could get it cured.” John Goddard, Loudon County

“Rain this week has improved topsoil moisture.” Chris Ramsey, Sullivan County