As reported by NASS on November 19, 2012

END OF CROP SEASON DRAWS NEAR

 The 2012 crop season in Tennessee is almost complete. Given just a few more sunny days, farmers will wrap-up row crop harvest and fall seeding. Ninety-eight percent of the cotton acreage has been harvested and only three percent of the soybean acreage still remains. Farmers also made notable progress seeding winter wheat last week. More than two-thirds of the winter wheat has emerged with over 80 percent rated in good-to-excellent condition. Pastures remained in mostly fair-to-good condition. Tobacco growers continued to prepare their crop for market.

Five and a half days were suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 12 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 5 percent very short, 18 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Overall, temperatures 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

 “Soybean and Cotton harvest should be completed this week. Cattle are in good shape with very few producers feeding hay at this time.” J.C. Dupree, Jr., Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County have been busy trying to finish bean harvest and wheat planting. Cotton harvest has been completed and in a few weeks farmers will be attending production meetings with another year’s harvest complete.”  Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“We are almost ready to wrap up the 2012 season. We have finished seeding wheat and lack harvesting a few fields of cotton and soybeans. Many producers are already booking corn and soybeans for next year.”  Jake Mallard, Madison County

“Soybean harvest and wheat seeding was completed in the county last weekend. Rainfall of 1.5 inches on average fell early week across the county. Producers are still spreading lime and applying herbicides and insecticides to winter wheat as field conditions allow.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Bean and cotton harvest about done. Wheat looking good right now.” Kevin Rose, Giles County

“Soybean harvest winding down. Livestock producers beginning to feed hay.” Steve Harris, Coffee County

“The week started with an inch plus rain on Monday, which continues to slow harvest and planting efforts. Most producers reporting finished with soybean harvest and wheat seeding. A few beef producers beginning to feed hay.”  Ed Burns, Franklin County

“A few more killing frosts experienced this week after rain on Monday. Wheat planting is nearing completion. The soybean crop yields have been better than expected with several fields in the 50-60 bushel range.”  John Wilson, Blount County

“One inch of rain has stopped soybean harvest. Combines are sitting at the edge of the fields waiting for the ground to dry. Pastures are nearly gone and hay feeding is going strong. Due to sporadic temperatures, we are seeing lots of runny noses among kids as well as livestock.” John Goddard, Loudon County

“Moderate temperatures and rainfall have continued to delay hay feeding.” Chris Ramsey, Sullivan County