As reported by NASS on September 10, 2012

TOPSOIL MOISTURE SUPPLIES GREATLY IMPROVED

Plentiful rain fell across the state last week benefitting crops and boosting soil moisture supplies. The condition of cotton, soybeans, and tobacco crops improved and were rated in mostly good condition. Corn harvest continued at a rapid pace two weeks ahead of normal. Tobacco harvest continued to be slow, with dark fire and dark air cured harvests more than a week behind the normal pace. Other farming activities included cutting hay, defoliating cotton, and spraying crops and pastures.

Four and a half days were suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 16 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 11 percent very short, 27 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged above normal across the state. Rainfall averaged above normal across most of the state, except in the Plateau Region where rainfall was slightly below normal.

 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 progressing rapidly toward completion. Early group 3 maturity bean harvest has begun. Many acres of cotton approaching maturity stage for defoliation applications.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“As hurricane Isaac passed through it brought a much needed 5 inches or so for most of the county, especially for late soybeans and cotton. Corn harvest is nearly complete with overall yields better than expected. Farmers are beginning to harvest soybeans and cotton. Due to drought and heavy grazing, some beef cattle farmers have been feeding hay for the past month but rains should provide some relief before winter months.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County received rain last weekend and some Wednesday night. When conditions allowed, farmers were busy harvesting corn and beans. Other activities included defoliation of cotton and spraying for insects in beans.” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Lots of wind this week with two storm fronts moving through and we have had heavy rainfall. There is a lot of cotton holding on for dear life before it ends up on the ground. Soybeans are loving the rain and seem to be doing really well now.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“A hot, humid week with almost daily thunderstorms slowed harvest progress. Many parts of the county received 3″ or more of precipitation with some hail and wind damage reported. Producers are looking forward to a good week of harvesting with favorable weather reports.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“We have had over 2 inches of rain this week in most places and it was needed. We are having to spray soybeans and corn as a harvest aid for morning glories in a lot of fields.” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“Frequent rain showers this week have improved soil moisture levels across the county and slowed corn harvest. Corn yields are as bad as expected on the drought ravaged fields. Cotton and soybeans are looking good for the most part. A lot of summer grass hay has been made over the last few weeks.” Mitchell Mote, Rutherford County

“Showers throughout the week produced from 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain for the week, minimizing field activities. Corn harvest is in full swing with about 50% of the crop harvested. Harvest has been slow due to high grain moisture and showers. The soybean crop is in good to excellent condition; about 40% of the crop is dropping leaves. A few acres of early maturing, early planted acres have been harvested. Insect pressure has increased mainly stink bugs and loopers with a number of acres reaching threshold levels and being treated. The cotton crop is in good shape with about 25% nearing ready to harvest. Hay harvest was stalled this past week but should resume this week with good drying conditions in the forecast, cool season grasses continue to improve.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Two substantial storms came through this week with another due in the morning. Tobacco that is already in the barn is molding and starting to rot. Not good curing weather.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Late-week rain helped to maintain topsoil moisture for seeding of forages. Soybeans have improved some with the additional moisture. Hay harvest continues and corn grain harvest is gaining momentum.” John Wilson, Blount County