Cotton Planting Forecast 5/20 to 5/24: We had a good week to get started planting cotton this past week. Just judging by calls, we have about 5 to 20% of the cotton planted depending upon where you are in the state. I kind of thought we would have gotten more planted but many were trying to plant the last of their corn or in some cases replant corn.  Moreover, many of the river and creek bottom fields would not carry equipment. This next week should be excellent for DD60 accumulation.  There is a chance for rain mid-week but otherwise the week looks good for planting.  Good soil moisture coupled with all the DD60s should help cotton emerge in just 3 to 4 days. Hopefully the rain in the forecast mid-week will be minimal and not slow planting progress.

North West Tenn. (Dyersburg): Predicted DD60 accumulation for that 5 day window: 75 (Very Good). Temperatures will range from the mid 80s to mid 60s over the 5 day period. There is a 50% chance of rain on Wednesday (5/22).

Central West Tenn. (Jackson): Predicted DD60 accumulation over the 5 day period: 75 (Very Good). Temperatures will range from the low 90s to mid 60s during that window of time. It looks like a 70% chance of rain on Wednesday (5/22).

South West Tennessee (Memphis): Predicted DD60 accumulation over the 5 day period: 80 (Very Good). Temperatures will range from the low 80s to high 60s during that stretch of time. The forecast calls for 50% chance of rain on Wednesday (5/22).

Middle Tennessee (Fayetteville): Predicted DD60 accumulation over the 5 day period: 72 (Very Good). Temperatures will range from the high 80s to mid 60s during that 5 day window. The forecast calls for 40% chance of rain on Thursday (5/23).