As reported by NASS on June 11, 2012
WHEAT HARVEST GOING STRONG; PLANTERS CHASING COMBINES
Wheat harvest is going strong with many farmers reporting excellent yields, except for some spotty areas that were hurt by the late April frost. Taking advantage of moisture received early in the week, planters have been chasing combines to plant double crop soybeans. Corn has entered a critical growth stage as it begins to silk and tassel, but more moisture is needed in some areas for proper development. Vegetable crops were reported as starting to show signs of stress from dry conditions. Many crops continue to be rated in mostly good condition after temporary relief was provided by rain showers across most of the state. The first hay cutting is nearly complete, but more rain is needed to boost hay for second cutting which has already started in some areas. Most pastures seem to be holding in fair-to-good condition and the majority of cattle are reported to be in good shape. In addition to harvest and planting, hay cutting and fungicide applications were main farm activities.
There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 8 percent very short, 31 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 11 percent very short, 33 percent short and 56 percent adequate. Temperatures last week averaged near normal across the state. Rainfall amounts averaged slightly below to below normal across the state this past week.
|
Percent Planted |
|||||
|
June 10, 2012 |
June 3, 2012 |
June 10, 2011 |
5 Year Average |
||
| Cotton |
TN |
99% |
98% |
94% |
98% |
|
US |
96% |
88% |
93% |
92% |
|
| Soybeans |
TN |
89% |
81% |
65% |
68% |
|
US |
97% |
94% |
81% |
85% |
|
|
Crop Condition % June 10, 2012 |
||||||
|
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
||
| Corn |
TN |
3% |
9% |
26% |
52% |
10% |
|
US |
2% |
6% |
26% |
57% |
12% |
|
| Cotton |
TN |
1% |
7% |
24% |
55% |
13% |
|
US |
1% |
10% |
36% |
39% |
12% |
|
| Soybeans |
TN |
3% |
8% |
25% |
58% |
8% |
|
US |
2% |
8% |
30% |
51% |
9% |
|
| Pasture |
TN |
3% |
15% |
34% |
44% |
4% |
|
US |
9% |
18% |
32% |
36% |
5% |
|
|
Crop Progress |
|||||
|
June 10, 2012 |
June 3, 2012 |
June 10, 2011 |
5 Year Average | ||
| Wheat Harvested |
TN |
81% |
54% |
28% |
13% |
|
US |
35% |
20% |
16% |
9% |
|
| Soybeans – Emerged |
TN |
70% |
59% |
39% |
51% |
|
US |
90% |
79% |
58% |
67% |
|
| Cotton Squaring |
TN |
9% |
1% |
5% |
5% |
|
US |
19% |
11% |
11% |
11% |
|
County Agent Comments
“With past recent rains and rain in the near forecast, all crops and pasture are in good conditions for the moment. Farmers are applying the usual insecticides and herbicides to control bugs and weeds. Wheat harvest is well underway with yields from 50-70 bushels per acre.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County
“Rain received on Sunday ranged from 0.9 – 1.6″ across the county, providing temporary relief from dry conditions. Crops responded well to the moisture.” Richard Buntin, Crockett County
“Scattered thunderstorms early in the week brought much need rain to some parts of the county while almost missing others. Rainfall ranged from .2″ up to 1.5″. Corn is entering a very critical growth stage with some fields beginning to silk and tassel. A slow moving rain system would be very welcome to the farming community. Wheat harvest is almost over with exceptional yields being reported. Soybean planters are chasing combines in an attempt to get the double-crop planted.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County
“Houston County is very dry the farther east you go. Many farmers have reported that their hay crop is 1/3 less than what was harvested this time last year. We need rain in a bad way.” Laurie Mobley, Houston County
“Most areas of the county received at least an inch of rain Monday and Tuesday (06/04 & 06/05. Some areas received only a few tenths. Farmers are busy planting soybeans behind wheat. In general corn looks good. Pastures were helped by the rain and they are holding in fair to good condition. Cattle look good overall. First cutting of hay is about complete. Hay yields are below average and many producers will need good yields on the second cutting in order to have enough hay for the winter.” Richard Groce, Maury County
“The need for rain is a main issue for farmers. Row crops are showing signs of dry weather. A couple of people have reported feeding some hay due to pasture conditions.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County
“Conditions are very dry! Some cattle producers feeding hay. More will be feeding hay if needed rain doesn’t come this week. Some corn is twisting.” Steve Harris, Coffee County
“With very dry conditions, many producers are finishing up harvest of wheat, barley and hay. Soybeans and sunflowers following wheat and barley are being planted with the prospect of rain this weekend. The apple crop is looking very good with producers finishing thinning on Gala, Red and Golden Delicious.” Kim Frady, Bradley County
“Some thrip activity in tomato greenhouses.” Anthony Carver, Grainger County
“Signs of drought are showing especially in vegetables, corn crop, and forage crops.” Chris Ramsey, Sullivan County
