As reported by NASS on October 9, 2012

 RAINS SLOW HARVESTING

Rains continued to slow harvest and other fall activities last week. Farmers, with four and a half days suitable for field work, made the most of these conditions as they were active harvesting corn, cotton, tobacco, soybeans, and hay. In addition, cotton defoliation and wheat seeding occupied their time. Beef cattle producers also dealt with the unrelenting problem of insects, particularly armyworms and stinkbugs. Farmers plan to push hard harvesting this upcoming week as the threat of a frost approaches.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 6 percent very short, 22 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Temperatures last week ranged from six degrees below normal over the west to five degrees above normal in the east. Rainfall amounts were above average across the entire state.

 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

 “Soybean and cotton harvest is well underway with rains late last week slowing progression. Farmers should resume by the middle of the week. Beef cattle producers are still battling armyworms. Hopefully cool temps and heavy rains have had some detrimental effects on armyworms. This is by far the worst I’ve ever seen armyworms in pasture and turf.”  J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The last of the cotton is being defoliated. This has been a tough crop to defoliate and defoliation conditions have been a little less than ideal. Yields are a little higher than expected with the bulk of the crop still to be harvested.” Richard Buntin, Crockett County

“Producers were able to make some harvest progress late week only to be stopped by rain on Friday late. Corn harvest will finish next week with favorable weather. Soybeans are running 20 to 40 bushels per acre with some creek bottom fields running in the mid-50 bushel range. Wheat seeding has gotten underway with good soil working conditions.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Weather aided tobacco harvest this past week as growers were able to take down early crop to “re-load” barns needed for curing tobacco cut this week. Hay still being cut.” Paul Hart, Robertson County

“Giles County got another 3 inches of rain this week which halted grain harvest. Corn harvest almost complete. Yields are ranging from 0 to 223 bu. on dry land corn with irrigated yields reported at 280 bu. Early beans yields reported around 50 bu. Some late hay acres continuing to be harvested.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“Approximately 1 inch on Monday slowed crop harvest. Soybean yields looking good. Most reports of Soybean yields in the 50 to 70 bushels per acre range.” Steve Harris, Coffee County

“For the second week in a row, showers limit field activities. Rain at the beginning of the week produced 1.5 to 2.0 inches of rain across the County. Producers were able to squeeze in some harvest and planting late Thursday and Friday; however, weekend showers brought field activities to a halt. Soybean harvest is in full swing with about a third of the crop harvested, yields have been excellent. A few producers concerned about potential frost on 10/09 on late planted beans. Canola producers got about 25% of the crop planted. Wheat producers have been readying equipment and fields for planting.” Ed Burns, Franklin Count

“Burley harvesting nearly finished. Some problems with curing in the barn because of excessive moisture. Corn harvesting just getting started. Green beans being harvested this week regardless of wet fields.”

Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“Scattered showers totaled an average of 1 inch rainfall. Pastures continue to improve with the moisture and cooler temperatures. Fall, second-cutting of hay is finishing up. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has been observed in greater numbers this season according to reports across the county.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Still some left over hay being put up this week. Soybean harvest has begun. Most are running around 40-45 bu/ac. Had our first frost this week.” John Goddard, Loudon County”