As reported by NASS on May 6, 2013

 CORN PLANTING PROGRESS SLIPS TO TWO WEEKS BEHIND NORMAL

Early in the week farmers continued to plant corn only to be set back once again by rain. Many low-lying acres were flooded late in the week, leading some the need to re-plant their corn crop. Other farmers reported that they may switch to soybeans since it is late in the calendar. Cool temperatures and wet soil conditions have also limited cotton and soybean plantings. Winter wheat continues to head. Cattle were reported in fair-to-good condition and pastures were also rated in fair-to-good condition. Other farm activities last week included herbicide burn-down applications, and wheat fungicide application. Tobacco transplants will soon be ready to set.

There were 2.5 days suitable for field work across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 53 percent adequate and 47 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 37 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state last week averaged 1 to 6 degrees below normal. Rainfall amounts across the state averaged well above normal over most of the Tennessee this week, with the exception being in middle Tennessee which received slightly below average rainfall.

County Agent Comments

 “Rain, Rain, go away. Come again another day. Percentage of intended corn acres planted is probably 40% but with continue wet weather the actual final percentage planted may be more near 90 to 100%. Producers are seriously considering switching off of corn and getting into cotton and bean planting. Wheat still progressing well but expect increased disease pressures with present weather conditions. Fungicide sprays have been going out since latter part of last week if wheat was at application growth stage. Cool wet conditions have aphid populations flaring in some cases where aphid controls have not been utilized. We need some dry weather for this wheat crop and for planting cotton and soybeans.” Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Cool, wet temperatures continue to halt corn planting and many producers are making plans to switch to soybeans. Planted corn is slow to germinate due to cool temperatures and cool soils. Much of the Mississippi bottom area is flooded and is continuing to rise. Tomato producers do have tomato plants in the field under not so suitable conditions, as mentioned above. For beef cattle producers, this weather is very favorable. Pastures and cows are in excellent condition.” J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County

“The farmers in Fayette County had one, maybe two days this week where field work could be done. Conditions are wet and the forecast is calling for more rain and colder temps this weekend. No cotton has been planted and acres that had been planned for corn are being switched to beans or cotton. Very few beans have been planted. Other activities have consisted of burn downs and crop scouting.” Jeffery Via, Fayette County

“A few growers planted corn late this week despite the 5-6″ rain we had on last weekend of April. Some growers will shift to beans on fields that they were unable to plant in April due to excess moisture. Cutworms and aphids along with Collar rot (sclerotinia) found in a few tobacco greenhouses. Matted row strawberry could be a week away from ripening.”

Paul Hart, Robertson County

“Wet conditions continue to prevent planting and other field activities. Wheat is beginning to head. There are reports that some corn acreage will need to be replanted due to flooding this past weekend. Tobacco producers are getting “antsy” with transplants ready to set. On a positive note, grass is growing and hay and pastures look promising. Farmers with livestock are very thankful. The negative is that weeds are abundant and spraying is being delayed. Some wheat haylage was cut this week even though there were wet conditions.” Ruth Correll, Wilson County

“With the exception of some fungicides applied to wheat, most field activities were suspended due to heavy rains to start the week. From Saturday to Sunday, five plus inches fell in the north, three or less in the south with the rest accumulating about four inches. Most farmers were finishing up corn planting before rain, ponding in fields has killed some corn about 1% and recharged wet areas farmers were waiting on to dry. About 60% of the crop is up. Wheat has all but headed and producers were busy applying fungicides where they could get across fields. Canola continues to progress toward maturity, with the bulk of the crop setting seed pods. Cool season hay is ready as soon as weather offers an opportunity; pastures have made good growth with moisture.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“We received over 5″ of rain over the weekend, most of it on Sunday. Over half of our planted corn (110 acres) was under water for 12-16 hours. Most will have to be replanted.” Brant Crowder, Hamilton County