As reported by NASS on April 30, 2012

A GOOD GENERAL SOAKING RAIN NEEDED!

Rainfall totals throughout most of the state last week were below normal, which led to short-to-very short soil moisture supplies in almost forty percent of the farmland. All crops and pastures, however, remain rated in mostly good-to-excellent condition with development advancing well ahead of the normal pace. Crops and pastures would respond nicely to a good rain in the upcoming week. Soybean and cotton planting were underway but some growers indicated they would wait for moisture before continuing to plant. Besides planting, the main farm activities were harvesting hay and fertilizer application.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 5 percent very short, 32 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 25 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state averaged 2 to 6 degrees above normal. Rainfall amounts averaged below normal throughout Tennessee.

County Agent Comments

 “The farmers in Fayette County have finished planting corn and held back from planting cotton due to the cold temperatures early in the week. Many started planting beans and some started cotton later in the week. We are in need for a good rain, getting dry!!!!” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Had a light frost but things are holding pretty good. Dealing with some wheat diseases but crop is beyond treating point.” Walter Battle, Haywood County

“Corn planting has been completed this week, with a few producers having started soybean planting. Top dress nitrogen applications are being made in corn. Forage producers have taken advantage of good drying conditions in harvesting their first cutting of hay crops. Windy conditions have pulled remaining topsoil moisture to low levels and have kept sprayers parked for most of the week.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“We have wheat and pastures drying up and actually dying. Pastures and hay are hurting very bad. Cattle are still O.K. but pastures are getting short and our hay situation is critical” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“Cool weather makes for slow growth/development on young corn plants. The wheat crop has suffered more damage than we originally thought. This past week I have seen wheat heads that appeared to be good but had several kernels which are empty, just a hollow husk. Parts of the county are getting dry; grasses growing on shallower soils are showing signs of water stress in several areas. Rains have been spotty; we need a good, general soaker.”  Mitchell Mote, Rutherford County

“Continued dry weather has slowed planting progress! It has been three weeks since many areas seen any appreciable rainfall. Cool dry weather is helping on the disease front; however, the (wheat) crop could use some moisture for good grain fill. Some wheat is beginning to show signs of turning color and expect to see wheat ripe by mid to late May. Cool nights and lack of rain has the corn exhibiting the beginning signs of moisture stress. The crop has made little to no growth this week. On droughty soils corn is slow and sporadic in emerging. Corn has failed to come up in some of the drier areas after being planted for three weeks.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Another week without rain. Some hay harvested, corn is basically planted except for some after spring silage. Many farmers will wait for rain before planting soybeans. Hay looks to be short this year. Really need rain. It’s been over a month!” Dale Beaty, Warren County

“A thundershower accompanied with light hail on Thursday brought an average of 1/2 inch of rain. Row crops and forages benefited but are in need of more as field conditions continue to rapidly dry. Soybean planting has stalled in some locations awaiting moisture. First-cutting hay harvest is advancing with some lower than expected yields reported.”  John Wilson, Blount County

“Thrips and whiteflies are present in 40% of the greenhouse crops.” Anthony Carver, Grainger County

“Most of Monroe County received rain on Thursday. Corn planting had stopped due to inadequate ground moisture. Some hay has been harvested and pasture growth has slowed due to dry weather.” Jonathan Rhea, Monroe County