As reported by NASS on October 31, 2011

FROST ON THE PUMPKIN — CONTINUED GOOD HARVEST PROGRESS

Fall harvest progress continues to be right on target with the normal pace in spite of rainfall received late in the week. In addition to harvest activities last week, producers were actively drilling wheat, preparing tobacco for sale, mowing cotton stalks, applying lime, and marketing calves. Cattle producers have started preparing for the winter months and pastures continue to generally be 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 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent very short, 24 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged about 1 to 3 degrees below normal across Tennessee last week. Rainfall averaged above normal in the Eastern Region of the state and slightly below normal across the remainder of Tennessee.

County Agent Comments

 “Harvests continue to progress as weather allows. Some corn acres yet remain to be harvested since growers switched from corn harvest to get beans before they all pop out. Good progress has been made with bean harvest but there are several thousand acres yet to go. Cotton harvest has progressed nicely this week as we approach maybe 50% harvested on our cotton. Wheat seeding has begun but expect most activity there this next week after receiving rains this week.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Harvest season for cotton and soybeans is well underway, corn harvest is close to an end. Farmers are beginning to drill wheat. Beef producers are preparing for the winter months and unless there is a severe winter, they should be well prepared this year.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County received rain starting on Wednesday night until Friday morning. The main showers came on Thursday night. Activities this week included harvesting cotton and beans, mowing cotton stalks and seeding wheat.” Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

“Corn and soybean producers had good harvesting weather until mid-week rains shut combines down. The rain was a welcome harvesting break for producers who had recently seeded wheat acres. Producer activities this week included seeding wheat, harvesting corn, cotton and soybeans. Some fall tillage, dirt work and lime application took place as well.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Double crop soybeans are yielding better than expected. Most fields are making 40 to 50 bushels per acre.” John Bartee, Montgomery County

“Corn harvest is about wrapped up. Soybeans and cotton over 50% harvested. The county has had five mornings of frost this fall with a couple of days right at freezing.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“Light frost brought concerns of prussic acid poisoning from Johnson grass. Some late hay cut but slow to cure.” David K. Glover, Smith County

“Another good week ended with rain on Friday. A cold front passing through on Thursday evening dropped temperatures and brought a steady rain producing an inch plus across the area. The week started with warm temperatures with highs in the 70 to 80 range and lows in the 50’s. A good general frost last Saturday has helped late planted soybeans advance defoliation. Farmers were busy harvesting soybeans and cotton, preparing ground, and sowing wheat.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Rain and some hail this past week, slowed combines and tractors but only for a few days. Farmers busy with soybean harvest, wheat seeding and digging trees. Several frosts but no freeze yet.” J. Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Most corn for grain is still in the field waiting for drying conditions. Soybeans are the same.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Rain again this week. Soybean harvest is going well. Some light frost.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Light frosts this week should help us get ready to harvest Soybeans.” John Goddard, Loudon County