As reported by NASS on May 28, 2013

WINTER WHEAT CROP PROGRESSING NICELY

Early last week was marked by scattered showers across the state, which hampered progress in the fields; however, farmers were able to rebound nicely with sunny conditions later in the week. Many farmers across the state finished planting and replanting corn, while others applied side dressing applications where conditions would allow. There was some soybean planting last week along with a large jump in cotton planted, but corn, cotton, soybeans, and tobacco still lag more than a week behind the average pace. Nearly half of the wheat crop has turned color and was rated in mostly good-to-excellent condition. Pastures continued to look good and many farmers were busy last week with their first hay cutting. Some tobacco transplanting also took place last week.

There were 4 days suitable for field work across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus. Temperatures last week averaged near normal across the entire state. Rainfall averaged near normal this past week across the plateau and east Tennessee while middle Tennessee experienced below normal rainfall.

County Agent Comments

“Producers made good progress with bean and cotton planting in the early part of the week before rains came through on Tuesday and Wednesday. Working hard to catch up on spraying for weeds. Wheat is still looking good; however after rain storms, some fields have areas of downed wheat probably due to population density and nitrogen levels. Seeing isolated occurrences of take-all and head scab but levels don’t appear very severe at this time. Some progress was made this week with early soybean planting. Cotton emergence in most cases has been good with ample moisture and warm temperatures have seen cotton emerge in 4 or 5 days. Generally all crops are doing well at this time.”

Tim Campbell, Dyer County

“Greenhouse tobacco transplant producers have held plants in good condition despite weather delays for setting. Tobacco transplanting and hay cutting will be in full swing late this week and through the weekend.”  Paul Hart, Robertson County

“Isolated and scattered showers at the beginning and end of the week produced from .10 to .75 inch depending on location. The majority of the wheat crop is beginning to turn and with the exception of too much water in low lying areas the crop appears to be on time with average yield potential. Some corn producers continued to plant, replant, and side dress where soil conditions allowed, while most have switched to planting soybeans. Cotton producers were able to get a few acres planted. The canola crop is beginning to ripen. The threat of showers kept hay harvest to a minimum, with most anticipating good drying conditions for the Memorial day weekend.” Ed Burns, Franklin County

“Mostly dry conditions allowed for continued corn planting and soybean planting is gaining momentum. First-cutting hay is progressing well with the recent favorable weather but lots of mature standing hay is yet to be cut.”  John Wilson, Blount County