As reported by NASS on April 15, 2013

CORN PLANTING CONTINUED AT A SNAIL’S PACE

Growers report corn planting progress has been set-back by a week and a half from normal and a full three weeks behind last year’s record pace due to cooler than normal temperatures and wet fields. Moderate weather finally returned late last week and accelerated the wheat and fruit crop development but these crops still remained behind normal development. Pastures were greening and growing rapidly and were rated in mostly good to excellent condition. The wheat crop condition is particularly promising as 80 percent of the acres were rated good or excellent. Cattle remained in good condition and due to warmer temperatures were becoming less dependent on hay. Other farm activities last week included field preparation, top-dressing wheat, and fertilizer applications.

There were 4 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 52 percent adequate and 47 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus. Temperatures were above normal and rainfall amounts averaged above normal.

County Agent Comments 

 “Wheat continues to look good in its progression toward jointing and maturing. Corn planting gained a slight increase in progress this week. Producers spent a better portion of the week getting ground ready to plant following the anticipated rain on Wednesday and Thursday. Poured 3.22 inches of rain out of my gauges from Wednesday night through Thursday at 5:30 pm. Don’t expect much field activity until early or mid-week next week.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“The farmers in Fayette County were able to start corn planting this week. Some corn was planted before but not much. Rain moved in Wednesday night. Pastures are greening-up. Temps are warming. A lot of corn in Fayette Co. will be planted next week when conditions allow.” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Corn planting is running behind schedule. Wheat crop looks good. Having a little yellowing with the crop, but I think it’ll be alright.” Walter Battle, Haywood County

“We had many producers putting in corn crops until the massive rainfall event. I have producers recorded as much as 3 1/4 to 5 inches of rainfall in the county during last week’s Thursday event. As soon as it dries out we will be back in the field trying to wrap corn planting up and shifting gears toward cotton and soybeans.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“Producers got started planting corn this week only to be shut down late week by rain. Precipitation ranged from 3″ to 4″ across the county. Some winter wheat is showing signs of nitrogen loss and will receive another small amount of fertilizer to address the problem.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Cool wet conditions have hampered field work. Wheat side dressing has been running behind. Early corn planting has been delayed due to unfavorable conditions as well.” Ronnie Barron, Cheatham County

“Weather conditions were very similar to last week with additional rainfall, abundant soil moisture, and warm days with cool nights. The excessive soil moisture has only allowed for a couple of days each week performing any field work.”  David Cook, Davidson County

“Warmer temps got things growing and we planted corn for four days before it started raining. Pastures and other grass started to grow this week.” Larry Moorehead, Moore County

“What a difference sunshine makes. Been able to do some field work. Still some wet spots but working around those when possible. Pastures are greening. Wheat has really progressed.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“An inch to 1.25 inches of rain Thursday evening put a halt to the first good week of field activities farmers have had this spring. With warmer temperatures and drier conditions farmers were in high gear trying to catch-up on delayed activities. Grain farmers were busy with burn down activities and corn planting. About 15% of the crop was planted, which is way below the normal pace. Wheat and canola accelerated progress with warmer conditions. The bulk of the wheat crop is jointed and on the verge of elongating, and flower emergence on canola took a big jump. Pastures greatly improved with warmer temperatures and livestock are beginning to reduce their dependence on hay.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“A very warm and mostly rain-free week helped advance some corn planting and fertilizer applications. On average about 1 inch of rain fell on Thursday and early Friday. The warm and sunny days of Tuesday and Wednesday aroused the Kudzu Bug from its winter slumber. Significant numbers of this new exotic pest were noted around the county during the week.” John Wilson, Blount County