As reported by NASS on April 29, 2013

 LESS THAN HALF OF CORN CROP PLANTED– CONTINUED BEHIND SCHEDULE

Wet weather continued to delay corn planting with the current plantings falling about a week behind the five-year average. Although there were 3.5 days suitable for work last week, only about 2 days of that were suitable for planting.

This upcoming week, growers hope to catch up on corn planting and also begin cotton and soybean planting. Besides these activities, producers began to cut wheat hay and silage. Fertilizer and fungicide application continued last week when possible. Wheat and cattle ratings of good-to-excellent condition continued, and pastures were growing rapidly.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 57 percent adequate and 43 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 33 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state last week averaged 5 to 6 degrees below normal. Rainfall averaged well above normal for the whole state this past week.

County Agent Comments

 “Growers frustrated with wet weather preventing completion of corn planting at this time. However, where irrigation is available they intend to keep planting corn possibly into early May. Wheat progressing well with possibly 90% at flag leaf stage. Of the corn acres that are planted possibly 8 to 10% have spiked and up where you can row it looking down the row. Growers anticipating beginning of cotton planting this next week.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Recent rains have not allowed for more corn planting since last week. Farmers may get one day to plant before the next rain. Wheat is in good to excellent condition. For beef cattle farmers, the rain is ideal for spring pastures. Cattle are in excellent condition.” J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County may have had about two days to plant corn this week. Many are switching to other crops starting next week once it dries enough to get in the field. Temps have been cool after a front that came through the beginning of the week. Wheat looks good for the most part and many farmers have and are spraying fungicides.”  Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“First of the week, lots of planting and then the rain moved in to our area. Had a few outbreak areas of wheat fungus that have or will be treated. Overall the wheat crop is looking pretty good.” Jake Goddard, Madison County

“Producers have made good use of limited dry days to plant over 50% of this year’s corn crop. Fungicide applications are being made to wheat with some stripe rust showing up in early maturing varieties. Mid-week and end-of-week precipitation has stopped all field activities.” Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

“Heavy rains this weekend causing Duck River to rise with some flooding in bottoms. Bottomland planting will be delayed a few more days as it dries.” Troy Dugger, Hickman County

“One strawberry grower began harvesting ‘Sweet Charlie’ variety on April 27.’Chandler’ and matted row harvest approximately 2 weeks away.” Bob Ary, Sumner County

“Wet conditions continue to delay crop planting progress. Some dairy producers are behind with silage chopping due to wet field conditions. Cattle producers are thankful that grass is growing much better. One producers blessing is another’s challenge.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“Cooler temperatures and precipitation continue to be the norm for April. A cold front Wednesday produced from 0.4 to 0.6 inch of rain and once again once again interrupted field activities and sent temperatures below normal with lows in the 40’s and highs in the 60’s. Several corn producers reporting finished or near finished with planting. About half of the crop has emerged. The wheat crop is beginning to head; powdery mildew is common with a few acres being treated. The canola crop is at full bloom to early seed development. Cool season pastures continue to fair well with cooler temps and moisture. Cool season hay in the early boot to head stage with a limited number of acres cut.”  Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Most of the fertilizer and fungicide applications were finished last week. Corn planting is still short of normal pace and some fields are still too wet to plant. Canola was approaching full bloom last week. Some scattered light frosts and cool nightly temperatures came in the wake of the cold front that passed through.” John Wilson, Blount County