As reported by NASS on October 31, 2012

GOOD WEEK FOR HARVEST

 Cotton and soybean harvest progress continued on target with the normal pace in spite of rainfall received late in the week. In addition to harvest activities last week, producers were actively drilling wheat, stripping tobacco, preparing tobacco for sale, applying lime, and marketing calves. Cattle producers started preparing for the winter months and pastures continued to be rated in fair-to-good condition for this time of year.

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 18 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged near to slightly above normal and rainfall averaged below normal across the 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

 “In the county, wheat planting is well underway and farmers continue to harvest soybean and cotton. With weather permitting, most farmers will complete harvest ahead of schedule. Cattle producers are making final hay preparations for winter months and doing some fall vaccinations.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“Soybean and cotton yields are better than expected.” Richard Buntin, Crockett County

“The farmers in Fayette County were busy this week harvesting cotton and beans. Rain moved in on Friday and so did cooler weather. This put a halt to most activities until the first of next week.” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Friday’s rain has put a stop to harvesting the crops. Cotton harvest was full speed ahead this week. Soybean harvest is going pretty good with above average yield being reported. Harvest has been a slow-go this year due to the rains every week. Wheat seeding has picked up this week.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“Rainfall on Friday put a halt to the six day harvest run experienced by county producers. Soybean harvest is well on its way to completion and wheat seeding is moving forward at a rapid pace.” Jeff Lannom, Weakly County

“Soil moisture is above average this time of year due to the wet month of October. Cool season grasses should have no trouble becoming established if overseeded in September.” David Cook, Davidson County

“Soybean harvest about wrapped up. Heavy rains 10 days ago halted bean harvest temporarily but allowed for wheat planting early last week. Some light scattered frost found throughout the county over the weekend.”  Kevin Rose, Giles County

“We have had our best week in a while to be in the field. Corn harvest is about over and soybean harvest came along great this week. Pastures are beginning to slow down but our winter annuals are beginning to look good at least the ones the army worms didn’t get.” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“With the exception of a few stray showers at week’s end that produced from a trace to 0.15 inch of rain, and above average temperatures, producers had good week for field activities. Most producers took advantage of the good weather by sowing or preparing wheat land in the morning and harvesting beans or cotton in the afternoon.”  Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Soybean harvest is really picking up. Corn harvest is moderate. 95% of fall hay finished this week.”

Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

“A little rain, warm temps continue. Soybean harvest is going full blast where the ground is not too wet. Good yields being reported.” J. Dale Beaty, Warren County

“Soybean harvest continued with mild weather and emerging wheat was sustained with light rains on Sunday. Pasture growth has improved slightly. However, several producers are feeding hay due to reduced grass stands in pastures resulting from the summer drought.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Corn harvest is complete. Beans are either really good or really poor. The last of hay was baled up this week too.”  John Goddard, Loudon County