As reported by NASS on June 17, 2013

WHEAT HARVEST FINALLY BEGAN

Farmers took advantage of good weather conditions across the state last week and finally began to harvest the wheat crop. Even with 11 percent of the wheat crop being harvested this past week, harvest is still about two weeks behind the five year average. The wheat conditions have been good throughout the spring, but lodging has caused some yield issues. Farmers were also busy switching over from corn to soybeans in fields that had been flooded and needed to be replanted. Cotton is rated in mostly fair-to-good condition, but thrips are wearing on cotton, with some fields needing to be sprayed multiple times. Other farm activities that took place last week include the first cutting of hay and tobacco transplanting.

There were 5 days suitable for field work across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 5 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state this week averaged slightly above normal. Precipitation averaged below normal for west and east Tennessee, and the east received above normal rainfall.

County Agent Comments

 Producers are still struggling with replanting for isolated corn acres, and earlier planted soybeans. Cotton is still struggling but beginning to improve. Wheat harvest has begun in earnest. There is an expected full swing wheat harvest by midweek next week. Producers in Mississippi River bottom areas are still struggling with flood issues and wet ground. This spring has been very unusual being too wet, too cool, too long. Conditions have been frustrating for all producers. Tim Campbell, Dyer County

Wheat harvest is beginning and farmers are replanting corn, soybeans and some cotton in areas of poor stands due to heavy rains. Some corn is still being planted. Cattle and pastures are in excellent condition. J.C. Dupree, Jr, Lauderdale County

There are a few fields with skipped rows in cotton due to erosion issues within the fields. Wheat harvesting has begun to take place. There are some fields with large areas of blown-down wheat which could cause some yields issues. Walter Battle, Haywood County

Hay crop is yielding between 55-70 % more bales on the first cutting than this time last year. A producer who normally got 70 rolls on his first cutting, has reported 120 rolls. The hay is THICK good quality hay. Producers anticipate a good 2nd cutting if the rain continues. Laurie Mobley, Houston County

The first confirmed field of Dark Tobacco with Black Shank (Race 1) this week. Variety with high race “0” low race “1” resistance. Wheat harvest began mid-week with many looking to start combines Friday-Sat. Paul Hart, Robertson County

Isolated to scattered showers at the first of the week produced nearly an inch to two inches in isolated areas. Above average temperatures in the low to mid 90’s helped dry fields and allowed producers to get back in fields at week’s end. Wheat harvest got underway on Thursday with excellent initial yield reports around the 90 bushel mark with acceptable grain quality. Grain moisture high with most repots ranging from 17 to 20% moisture. The corn crop continues to progress with moisture and warm temperatures with a few tassels beginning to emerge in the earliest planted. Producers have finished planting full season beans. The canola crop is being readied for harvest. Pastures continue to flourish with good moisture. Ed Burns, Franklin County

It’s raining right now. Lots of hay was cut over the last 2 days-now it’s getting wet. Lots of hay has been cut in the last 4 -5 days-it’s getting wet again. Corn planting is over. Soybeans are about 1/2 way finished planting. Corn is looking great. John Goddard, Loudon County