As reported by NASS on April 22, 2013

CORN PLANTING STILL DELAYED

Corn producers made the most of the four days of planting weather last week but still lag behind where they would like to be. Planting is about a week behind the five-year average pace. Cotton and soybean plantings have yet to begin, but that is not unusual for this time of year. The wheat acreage has been top-dressed and was reported in good-to-excellent condition with the crop just starting to head. Cattle and pastures were also rated in good-to-excellent condition. This last week strawberry growers revealed that prospects are very good for a plentiful and good quality crop. Fertilizer and fungicide application also took place last week.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 39 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged near normal. Rainfall averaged above normal, except in Middle Tennessee where the average was near normal.

County Agent Comments

 “Corn planting progressed well this week with producers seeking out fields dry enough to plant. Wheat continues to look very good and is progressing well. Majority of wheat acres is jointed with a few lagging behind but will catch up fast with this week’s 80 degree temperatures. A few isolated wheat acres are already at flag leaf stage but many other acres will be at that stage soon. Insect activity in wheat is light to none at this date. We are approaching time window to be watching for leaf diseases and potential rust in current wheat crop in order to make preparations for any fungicide sprays.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Corn planting finally began last week only to be halted due to rains and cool temperatures. With rain in this week’s forecast, corn planting will be sporadic. Wheat is in good condition and is growing well, have not seen any heading as of yet. Pastures and beef cattle are in good shape.” J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County made a little progress on corn planting but had to stop due to rain later in the week. Many could not plant this week due to wet fields from the rain the week before. Wheat looks good for the most part. Some diseases are showing and some fungicides have gone out. Wheat is about to head out but may be delayed depending on cooler temps this weekend?” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“Lots of corn was planted until late Thursday’s storm. 3.15 inches of rain fell during the event, pulling us back out of the field until conditions are favorable again. Lots of wheat at the flag leaf stage and beyond. Fungicides will be applied this week. Pastures are greening up.” Jake Mallard, Madison County

“Corn producers made good progress this week with planting, but were stopped late Thursday by rain. Approximately 1.5″ to 2″ of precipitation fell Thursday night into Friday morning halting all fieldwork. Some disease control products are beginning to be sprayed in wheat.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Weather has allowed some planting to begin but corn producers are in a quandary since they are behind. They are hoping to get into fields soon. Cattle are looking good and grass is growing better.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“Producers have made good use of the limited time to try to catch up on field work. Producers were able to return to fields on Monday. Isolated rain events on Wednesday shut down some, while others got another day of planting on Thursday; however, thunderstorms early Friday produced 1.25 to 1.5 inches of rain, bringing the weeks total to 1.5 to nearly two inches. Temperatures were slightly above normal with below normal and scattered frost predicted for weeks end. Corn producers have gotten about 75% of the crop planted with about 10% of the crop beginning to spike through. The wheat crop continues to make good progress with the crop ranging from Feke’s stage 7 (second node visible) to stage 9 (third node visible and full flag leaf emergence). Wet and warm conditions have powdery mildew beginning to show up. The canola crop is at mid bloom and with no issues reported at this time.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“We have finally gotten some favorable weather to plant corn, but as I type this it is (and has been) raining to the point that it will take 3-5 dry days before any more planting can be done.” Jared Goad, Marion County

“Corn planting and fertilizer applications were the focus this week until Friday when heavy rains fell. Forages gained some growth momentum during the week after a slow start this spring.” John Wilson, Blount County

“Greenhouse Tomatoes have finally begun to grow at normal rate, thanks to sunny days.”

Anthony Carver, Grainger County