As reported by NASS on July 9, 2012
SCATTERED SHOWERS PROVIDE A LITTLE RELIEF. A slight break from record setting temperatures came at weeks’ end and was due to several rounds of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Soil moisture levels are still extremely short and more rain will be needed for crops and pastures to rebound from the prolonged drought conditions. Crop conditions continued to decline last week. Pastures have been the hardest hit by the high temps and short moisture supplies with three quarters of the acreage rated in very poor-to-poor condition. Livestock are struggling and many producers are considering selling cattle. Farm activities this week included feeding hay, hauling water, topping tobacco, harvesting silage and irrigating where available.
There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 56 percent very short, 35 percent short and 9 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 53 percent very short, 36 percent short and 11 percent adequate. Temperatures across the state averaged 6 to 9 degrees above normal. Rainfall was well below normal.
|
Crop Condition % July 8, 2012 |
||||||
|
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
||
| Corn |
TN |
29% |
32% |
27% |
11% |
1% |
|
US |
12% |
18% |
30% |
34% |
6% |
|
| Cotton |
TN |
7% |
15% |
35% |
38% |
5% |
|
US |
4% |
14% |
38% |
36% |
8% |
|
| Soybeans |
TN |
15% |
24% |
35% |
24% |
2% |
|
US |
9% |
18% |
33% |
35% |
5% |
|
| Pasture |
TN |
41% |
34% |
20% |
5% |
– |
|
US |
21% |
29% |
29% |
18% |
3% |
|
Condition Definitions
v Very Poor – Extreme degree of loss to yield potential, complete or near crop failure. Pastures provide very little or no feed considering the time of year. Supplemental feeding is required to maintain livestock condition.
v Poor – Heavy degree of loss of yield potential which can be caused by excess soil moisture, drought, disease, etc. Pastures are providing only marginal feed for the current time of year. Some supplemental feeding is required to maintain livestock condition.
v Fair – Less than normal crop condition. Yield loss is a possibility but the extent is unknown. Pastures are providing generally adequate feed but still less than normal for the time of year.
v Good – Yield prospects are normal or above normal. Moisture levels are adequate with only light disease and insect damage. Pastures are providing adequate feed supplies for the current time of year.
v Excellent – Yield prospects are above normal and crops are experiencing little or no stress. Pastures are supplying feed in excess of what is normally expected at the current time of year.
|
Crop Progress |
|||||
|
July 8, 2012 |
July 1, 2012 |
July 8, 2011 |
5 Year Average | ||
| Corn Silking |
TN |
93% |
86% |
63% |
75% |
|
US |
50% |
25% |
11% |
19% |
|
| Corn Dough or Beyond |
TN |
21% |
12% |
5% |
7% |
|
US |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Soybeans Blooming |
TN |
43% |
29% |
23% |
30% |
|
US |
44% |
26% |
17% |
25% |
|
| Soybeans Setting Pods |
TN |
17% |
10% |
3% |
8% |
|
US |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Cotton Squaring |
TN |
76% |
58% |
63% |
77% |
|
US |
49% |
36% |
44% |
48% |
|
| Cotton Setting Bolls |
TN |
17% |
3% |
8% |
10% |
|
US |
14% |
8% |
12% |
12% |
|
County Agent Comments
“Pastures burned up, corn fired up to the tops in some fields, dry land wheat-beans still haven’t cleared the wheat stubble. But we keep hanging in there.” Richard Buntin, Crockett County
“Conditions continue to worsen. Tobacco farmers with irrigation capabilities are depleting water resources. Pastures are drying up and many beef producers are starting to put out hay.” Ronnie Barron, Cheatham County
“The Montgomery County corn crop is almost a complete failure. A few scattered showers occurred this week, but too little, too late. Pastures are also wiped out.” John Bartee, Montgomery County
“Most Macon County crops are damaged beyond repair. Corn is the most damaged. Most corn producers are chopping the corn for silage. One of the worst years Macon County Producers have seen.” Steve Walker, Macon County
“Many corn growers are looking for ways to salvage some of their worst looking crop by chopping into silage or rolling as hay. Soybeans look bad. More and more farmers are starting to feed hay. Hay is in short supply. Streams and livestock ponds are going dry and some farmers are hauling water for their livestock.” Richard Groce, Maury County
“The corn crop continues to deteriorate; silage harvest is in full swing trying to salvage some value. Soybeans are holding on especially in a few areas fortunate to get some relief with appreciable rainfall. Single crop beans are in full bloom to early pod set. Most pastures providing very little if any grazing, livestock producers are feeding hay and searching for alternatives. Several producers reporting ponds are critically low.” Ed Burns, Franklin County
“Some rain in the very north and east end of the county. Rest of the county is hot and dry. Corn is probably not going to make much of an ear and soybeans are struggling. Pasture and hay done for now. Rain may bring it back some.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County
“Spotty showers this week amounted to up to 1/2 inch of rain. 95-105 degrees have parched soil moisture. Creeks & ponds are now drying up. Corn is twisting badly. Livestock are struggling to stay alive. Most beef producers are feeding hay and looking for hay to buy. Milk production is 30-40% off.” John Goddard, Loudon County
