As reported by NASS on April 9, 2012

CORN PLANTING TWO WEEKS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Tennessee corn farmers took full advantage of the six days suitable for fieldwork to make great planting progress last week. Sub-normal precipitation, coupled with warmer than normal temperatures, allowed growers to end the week at forty-six percent planted. This pace is two weeks ahead of the five-year average and one of the most rapid starts on record. The Tennessee wheat crop is in good-to-excellent condition and is developing at a rate two weeks earlier than usual. The main farm work, other than planting last week, was fertilizer and pesticide applications. Pastures looked exceptionally good.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 10 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Temperatures were well above normal across Tennessee. Rainfall amounts averaged below normal across West Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau and above normal over the remainder of the state.

County Agent Comments

  “Wheat continues to progress at a rapid pace two to three weeks ahead of normal. Seeing evidence of septoria leaf blotch, striped rust and occasional powdery mildew in some fields. Producers have applied fungicides in wheat on some acreage but anticipating more in next few days. Corn planting has been rapidly progressing this week with several acres already planted. Still expecting corn acres to be up substantially.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

 “Corn producers have covered tremendous acres this week in planting their crop. Area agribusiness personnel have stretched manpower, machines and crop supplies to keep up with demand. Excellent weather conditions and warmer than normal temperatures have corn emerging in less than one week. Wheat is heading and pollinating with some stripe rust and cereal leaf beetles being detected and sprayed for.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

 “Farmers continued to take advantage of the abnormal warm weather with many field activities. Corn planting is in full swing and way ahead of schedule. Farmers were hoping for some late week rains for some moisture and a break from the frantic early season field work.” Calvin Bryant, Lawrence County

“Parts of the county received over 2 inches of rain last Saturday. The problem was that it was accompanied by hail. Lasted for more than an hour on and off with the rain. Some fields were washed due to flooding. Damage reports to many vehicles, building and barn roofs, trees, plants and more.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“Our rains have slowed down and some places need moisture.” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“Continued above normal temperatures with less than hoped for rain. Most crop progress is nearly one month ahead of normal. The (wheat) crop looks good with few problems, producers making plans to apply fungicides, with some applications already being made. A few (corn) producers reporting done with planting. A good rain would help crop progress and emergence. Cool season grasses are beginning to head out; some hay has been cut mostly wheat, but a little fescue.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Rain toward the end of the week was very helpful for pastures, hay and planted crops. Some wheat hay has been cut. If warmer than average temperatures continue along with timely rains, fescue and orchard grass hay will be cut and baled 2-3 weeks earlier than normal. Corn planting began 7-10 days earlier than average.” Richard Groce, Maury County

“Another good week for farming. Planting corn, fertilizing wheat and pastures and hay ground and spraying pastures and corn ground were major activities. Limited rains Friday night. Need good general rain.” Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Corn planting is gaining momentum. Forages are improving but last year’s drought has resulted in considerable stand loss. Many of these acres were replanted this winter/spring.” John Wilson, Blount County

“I looked at field corn today that was 6″ tall and looking good. Some wheat is beginning to head.” John Goddard, Loudon County