As reported by NASS on September 24, 2012

ANOTHER GOOD HARVEST WEEK DESPITE RAINS

Farmers in West Tennessee at week’s end were essentially finished with corn harvest and will be concentrating next week on cotton and soybean harvest. Middle and East Tennessee growers continued harvesting hay, tobacco, and a few soybean and corn fields. Producers throughout the state were also preparing fields for seeding the 2013 wheat crop. Armyworm pressure and weed control continued in pastures. Cotton defoliation and some pasture fertilization and seeding were underway.

Four days were suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 13 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 8 percent very short, 21 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Temperatures in East Tennessee averaged near normal while the remainder of the state averaged slightly below normal. Rainfall was slightly above in West Tennessee while the remainder of the state averaged well above 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 essentially done. May be a few scattered acres but will be totally done by end of next week. Soybean and cotton harvest has begun in earnest. Progress is solely dependent on weather conditions.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Corn harvest is nearing completion with soybean and cotton harvest beginning. Armyworms in pasture and turfgrass are rampant in the county. It is not hard to find 2 and 3 times the threshold.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The farmers received a good rain on Sunday night and Monday; most around two inches. This was one of those good soaking rains, no wind and no severe weather. Once Wednesday afternoon came, farmers started to venture into their fields to harvest cotton, defoliate cotton and harvest beans.” Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

“Some very wet soils after the all day shower we had Monday. Many producers are eager to get the cotton crop out that has been defoliated due to the number of rains that has hit the lint. Fall weed pressure in pastures is very high and armyworms are a big problem in pastures this week.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“Another good week of harvest weather allowed producers to near the finish line on corn and make a start on soybeans. Producers are busy with field preparations for wheat seeding.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Five inches of rain on Monday helped re-fill ponds and get creeks flowing again. Corn harvest just about complete with reported yields ranging from 7-80 bushels. Soybeans are beginning to mature with leaves starting to drop; a few early beans are ready to harvest. Farmers continue to cut hay; some late fertilizer applied to pasture ground.”  Mitchell Mote, Rutherford County

“Tobacco harvest is progressing slowly with limited labor force. Pastures are looking better. Lots of producers reseeding pastures this week.” Jason Evitts, Trousdale County

“Corn yields have ranged mostly from 10 bushels/acre to 100 bushels/acre with an average of about 60 bushels/acre. Soybean harvest just starting. Soybean crop looks good. Late summer rain has helped make good hay crop for late summer and fall harvest. Approximately 4 inches of rain on Monday temporarily halted crop harvest.”  Steve Harris, Coffee County

“Between 4 and 6 inches of rain fell in Putnam County this week which should help ground water levels considerably. Corn harvest should start soon.” Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Dry weather this week had farmers busy in fields, harvesting corn, hay and soybeans. Nurseries starting to dig early fall orders (looking better than previous years). Hay harvest continues, though most producers report adequate supply. Late soybeans need another month without frost.” Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Rain fell Monday and Tuesday measuring 6.5 inches. This was greatly needed and coupled with the cooler temperatures helped pastures improve. Hay harvesting has been ongoing since the rains.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Five inches of rain this week has helped most crops. Soybeans are looking good. Sorghum was harvested this week-good yields. 2nd cutting of hay was in full swing this week-nice yields, poor quality.” John Goddard, Loudon County

“We had almost 6 inches of rain on Monday and Tuesday of this week.” Brant Crowder, Hamilton County