As reported by NASS on April 17, 2012

FIELDWORK AND CROP DEVELOPMENT AT RECORD PROGRESS LEVELS. Corn planting continued at a blistering pace last week and early hay and strawberry harvests began. The wheat crop was in the heading stage. These development events at week’s end were at a record rate that is a full three weeks ahead of the five-year average tempo. Many corn growers reported that they were completely finished planting. Tennessee’s wheat crop and pastures continued in good-to-excellent condition. Frost occurred in many locations but damage assessments were inconclusive as of Sunday. The main farm activities, in addition to corn planting and early hay and strawberry harvest, included fertilizer and pesticide application and scouting fields for freeze damage and threshold pest levels.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 24 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 18 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged above normal across the west and middle parts of the state and close to average for the east and plateau regions. Rainfall amounts averaged well below normal across the entire state.

County Agent Comments

 “Carroll County experienced frost and temperatures of around 31 degrees Wednesday night. It will be several days before we know what if any damage we have to our wheat.” Steven Burgess, Carroll County

“We have 200 acres of wheat affected by the wheat mosaic virus.” Walter Battle, Haywood County

“Rainfall totals late last week ranged from 0.7″ to over 3″ depending on location in the county. Some producers were planting corn again as early as Monday of this week, while others started on Wednesday. Nitrogen supply has become a major issue for corn producers as agribusinesses struggle to obtain necessary supplies. Wheat has been treated this week with fungicides and in some locations with insecticides for cereal leaf beetles and aphids.”  Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“A couple of frosty nights and another week of no rain have dramatically slowed the progression of crops. Some frost damage was seen and reported across the county, mainly in fruit crops, but overall the damage was minimal. Corn planting has stalled due lack of moisture and pastures/hay are beginning to need rain.” Calvin Bryant, Lawrence County

“Freezing temperatures the past 2 nights may have damaged the wheat. Too early to tell at this time.”

John Bartee, Montgomery County

“Frost has injured emerged corn, small grains, home fruit and early planted vegetables.”

Bruce Steelman, Cannon County

“We got into the upper 20’s on the southern portion of the plateau the morning of April 12. The lowest I heard reported was 26 degrees F. Nurseries have reported damage on sensitive plants. Not sure the damage on the fruit crop yet but we are still seeing and hearing of more damage each day.” Creig Kimbro, Grundy County

“Freezes this week in low 20’s on Thursday and mid 20’s on Friday morning in most sections of the county. Damage to fruit crops has not been assessed yet, but anticipate severe damage to peach, apple and grapes.”  Rick Thomason, Johnson County

“Two cold nights have bitten some plants. Those who used blankets on plants seem to have seen the most damage. Those unprotected plants seem to have had the advantage of the wind. All of the corn I’ve seen so far looks OK. Corn fields need rain as ground is cracked. Spring hay season has began-farmers are taking advantage of freeze drying.”  John Goddard, Loudon County  

“Producers have begun to plant corn and harvest hay. Strawberries seem to be unaffected by cool temperatures and are 3 to 4 weeks early.” Jerry Lamb, Rhea County