Crop Progress as reported by NASS on April 2, 2012

WARM SPRING “JUMP STARTS” FARM ACTIVITIES

The 2012 farming season is well underway after a mild winter allowing farmers to progress rapidly with field activities, especially planting corn. Corn farmers across the Volunteer State took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to push corn planting progress up by one week. Also, winter wheat is developing at rate about 10 days ahead of the normal pace and was rated in mostly good condition. Wheat growers were able to make their top dressing applications on time and there have been some reports of fungicide and insecticide applications being made. Pastures are greening-up and hay supplies remain adequate. Tobacco growers are monitoring the growth of transplants in greenhouses. Other major field activities included fertilizing pastures, herbicide applications, and land preparation for planting cotton. Hay stocks were rated 6 percent very short, 14 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus.

There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 7 percent short, 86 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Temperatures were well above normal across Tennessee this past week. Rainfall amounts averaged near normal across East Tennessee while it was below normal for the rest of the state.

County Agent Comments

“Wheat is currently looking good. A few acres have been sprayed for aphids. Fungicide applications have started on wheat. Corn planting has begun this week and will be full swing weather permitting.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Farmers are planting corn. Wheat looks good. Bermuda pastures are greening up.” Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

“Warm, dry weather has producers planting corn at a rapid pace. Many producers are applying fertilizer to corn land and some fungicide applications in wheat are being made.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Giles County could benefit from some rain. The last few storms have by-passed the county. Dry conditions have allowed for many acres of pasture and hay to be fertilized. Corn planting is getting underway.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“The top of the ground could get dry if we don’t get rain soon. We are having an early spring and we are not planting corn as fast as we could due to frost concern and the availability of seed corn.” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“Wheat, hay and pasture fertilizer applications continue. Herbicide applications for buttercup and thistles being made.” David K. Glover, Smith County

“Perfect weather for planting, wheat is ahead of schedule, fruit trees are past the normal March stages. Everything looks good but, we have an abundant crop of weeds.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“About 10% of the (wheat) crop has headed, with the bulk of the crop in the early to late boot stage. The crop is in excellent condition with very little pest pressure. Planters have been running steady for two weeks with about 30% of the (corn) seed in the ground. Sugarcane beetles began emerging in heavy numbers especially in western half of the county on March 22, no reports of damage to corn as of yet. Pastures are making excellent growth; cattle are beginning to back off hay considerably. There has been some wheat and cool season hay harvested.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Red buds have dropped flowers and dogwoods are already past peak. Just about the earliest I have ever seen that in my lifetime! Unseasonably warm in Tennessee!” Creig C. Kimbro, Grundy County

“Producers are getting geared up early. Ground is dry enough to work and many are ready to plant even though we are a couple of weeks early. Probably 70% of pasture and hay fertilizer has been spread.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Rainfall has been frequent and substantial so far this spring. Fertilizing of pasture and hay land has been in full swing.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Unusually warm weather and adequate rainfall has pastures coming on strong.” Steve Edwards, Campbell County

“Wet and hoping we do not get a freeze.” Neal Denton, Knox County

 “2″ rain this week and warm temperatures have kick-started spring growth.” John Goddard, Loudon County