As reported by NASS on July 2, 2012

OPPRESSIVE HEAT AND BRUTALLY DRY CONDITIONS

CONTINUE TO STRIKE TENNESSEE FARMLAND

The hottest temperatures on record coupled with no precipitation last week led to a deterioration of crop conditions throughout the state. Topsoil moisture supplies are rated short or very short on 94 percent of Tennessee farmland. The corn and pasture acreages are especially affected, as almost half the corn is rated in very poor or poor condition with two-thirds of the pastures in this same category. Soybean, tobacco, and cotton acreage remained in mostly fair-to-good condition but declined substantially in one week. Pastures are parched and livestock producers are feeding hay, an event that normally begins in the fall. Farmers last week were topping tobacco, feeding hay, marketing cattle and spraying pesticides. Irrigation was underway where available.

There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 56 percent very short, 38 percent short and 6 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 46 percent very short, 41 percent short and 13 percent adequate. Temperatures across the state averaged 5 to 10 degrees above normal while significant rainfall amounts were non-existent.

County Agent Comments

 “The lack of rain and the 100+ degree temperatures are deteriorating the county’s crops at a rapid rate especially the non-irrigated corn. These weather conditions could not have come at a worse time with all of the corn crop trying to pollinate. Cotton and beans seem to be holding up better but with the forecast for more of the same these too will be suffering by this time next week. Pastures have dried up and cattle producers are feeding hay.”  Steve Burgess, Carroll County

“Crops have really begun to suffer and go backwards this week. Rain is needed yesterday.”

Richard Buntin, Crockett County

“Corn twisting, pastures dying, producers feeding hay, perilla mint toxicosis in cattle. Very Hot and Dry here, zero precipitation (from a spotted shower) since June 11th.” Amanda Mathenia, Decatur County

“Another week of extreme heat with no rain has taken a toll on all crops and livestock. Pastures are parched and some livestock owners are feeding hay. Corn and soybeans are in desperate need of rain as they continue to look worse each day.” Calvin Bryant, Lawrence County

“Tobacco growers with irrigation are all pumping water. Corn is showing signs of severe drought stress.”  Paul Hart, Robertson County

“Producers feeding hay – many hay sellers already out of hay – high nitrates in forages – many considering green chopping corn or chopping for silage. Water supplies an issue.” David Qualls, Lincoln County

“Pastures virtually non-existent in many areas. Many farmers feeding hay and several already asking about sources to buy hay.” David Glover, Smith County

“Extreme heat and dry conditions dominate the week. Absolutely no moisture fell anywhere in the County for a second week in a row, coupled with triple digit temperatures, extremely low humidity and hot dry wind, most crop hopes are quickly dwindling.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Burnt to a crispy crunch. Producers are chopping corn for silage, beef producers are feeding what little hay they made this spring and vegetables and home gardens are almost gone. Many producers are asking about testing for nitrates. The 100 plus temperatures this past week has made this summer worse than last year.” Kim Frady, Bradley County

“Need rain. Saw a farmer digging a waterline about 4-5′ deep. Nothing but powder! Several fires have been started along roadsides-Cigarettes I guess. Everyone has stopped bush-hogging for fear of starting a fire/or think cows will eat it anyway. Corn is twisting. Late corn may not survive this heat and drought.” John Goddard, Loudon County

“Most areas are extremely dry with little or no rain predicted for next 7 days.” Chris Ramsey, Sullivan County