As reported by NASS on August 20, 2012

CORN, HAY, AND TOBACCO HARVEST MAIN FARM ACTIVITIES

 Farmers continued harvesting hay and topping tobacco last week between showers and stepped-up their efforts at corn harvest. Activities in the tobacco fields were delayed slightly by rainfall. The crops, except corn, continued to be rated in fair to good condition. The cotton crop is opening and early planted soybeans are beginning to shed leaves. The corn crop is maturing rapidly. Pastures look good for this time of the year but with some reports of weeds.

There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 7 percent very short, 19 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 16 percent very short, 33 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures last week averaged near normal across the state. Rainfall amounts averaged slightly above normal across Middle and West Tennessee, near normal across East Tennessee and slightly below normal for the Plateau.

 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.

 County Agent Comments

 “Corn harvest has begun in earnest this week. Earliest I can remember since working in Dyer County beginning in 1992. Hearing of yields ranging from 30 to 150 bushels per acre for dry land corn. Sounding like overall yields might average in 110 to 130 bushel range for 2012. Some showers over last 7 to 10 days and cooler temperatures helping with progress of early planted soybeans. Rains will help wheat beans some but they continue to appear to be the beans that are going to be hurt the most from our prolonged dry conditions over past several weeks. Cotton beginning to open on many acres. Generally, insect pressures in cotton and soybeans continue to remain light but beans need to be watched for worms and stink bugs. Grain sorghum maturing well on good soil conditions but still suffering in stressed areas of fields.”  Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“The farmers in Fayette County received a good and needed rain Thursday night. Earlier in the week temps cooled some. Corn is being harvested and yields are better than expected. Cotton is really starting to open. Beans look good and the recent rains/cooler weather has helped.” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Getting some much needed rain to help fill pods on the soybeans. Plant bugs have been high in cotton fields this week. Corn harvest has begun with some mixed reviews. It all depends on when the corn was planted and if it got the rainfalls. Yields in the county range from 40 to above 200.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“The soybean crop has made drastic improvements over the last month. Excess moisture and unseasonable rainfall are now hindering the tobacco harvest and the second cutting of hay.” Ronnie Barron, Cheatham County

“Black shank has been showing up in numerous tobacco fields that are near harvest. Wind damage to many tobacco fields, from storms in recent weeks, has created problems with sucker control applications. 2nd cutting of hay fields has is underway, much needed since spring yields were lower than normal.” Paul Hart, Robertson County

“August weather continues with cooler than normal temperatures, with highs in the low to mid 80’s and lows in the low to mid 60’s. Rains at the beginning and end of the week produced from 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain depending on location. Strong winds were associated with storms Thursday evening, no crop damage reported. Corn harvest continues to gain momentum with about 25% of the crop shelled, and yields continue to mostly range 70 to 90 bushels. Soybeans are experiencing great weather for pod set and fill, a few very early maturing varieties shedding leaves. Pastures continue to improve with cool nights and moisture encouraging cool season grass growth.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Scattered showers helped to maintain some topsoil moisture. Corn silage harvest and hay harvest were the main field activities. Several producers are anticipating pasture/hay renovation to replace grass stands lost to the drought.” John Wilson, Blount County

“We are seeing lots of corn smut even on field corn. Soybeans are looking better with recent showers. Lots of Johnsongrass hay is ready to mow as soon as weather forecast allows. Pasture weeds such as ragweed and perilla mint are thriving.” John Goddard, Loudon County