As reported by NASS on July 15, 2013

 LATEST WHEAT HARVEST IN SIXTEEN YEARS FINALLY FINISHED

This past week farmers finished the wheat harvest. This season marks the latest wheat harvest since 1997, which tied this date with 98 percent harvested. Soybean planting was also wrapped up this past week, but soybean progress is about 2 weeks behind the 5 year average. There was some spotting disease on tobacco due to wet weather, and some low-lying fields drowned out. Other farm activities included fungicide and post-emergence herbicide application.

There were 4.5 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 10 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 9 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Temperatures in middle and west Tennessee were 1-2 degrees below normal, whereas east Tennessee observed normal highs with the far eastern part of the state being 2 degrees above normal. Precipitation was very sporadic, with all parts of Tennessee falling below average; however, Nashville’s precipitation was slightly above average.

County Agent Comments

 Conditions are drying down for the majority of crop acres, with good soil moisture. Corn, cotton and soybeans are in good condition. Mississippi Bottom land is being flooded again from northern waters. Hay producers and beef cattle producers still have excellent conditions for growing forage and pastures. JC Dupree, Lauderdale County

The farmers in Fayette County have been spraying fields this week. Rain moved into the area Wednesday night, with some parts of the county getting up to an inch. Other areas are getting dry and have turned on irrigation. Other activities include cutting hay. Jeffrey Via, Fayette County

Lots of plant bugs and stink bugs are in the cotton. Pigweed is a big topic this week, looks like we might have to pull the hooded sprayers out to try and control the resistant problems. Cotton and soybeans have really grown this past week with the DD60’s we have received. Corn is still looking pretty good across the county falling into the R2 stage. Cattle are still on the good to great scale and the same with the pastures. A little rain is needed to help everyone out.  Jake Mallard, Madison County

Excessive rainfall (5-6 inches) over the weekend was really beneficial to corn, soybeans, pastures, and hay. However, about 10-20% of the dark tobacco crop suffered serious effects from drowning on mostly upland soils.  Ronnie Barron, Cheatham County

Rainfall from 6 to 8 inches on July 4-5 has resulted in widespread Drowning injury to the tobacco crop. Tobacco at topping stage was most severely affected. Upland sites were also affected as many growers have reported: tobacco is “drowning on the hills”. Paul Hart, Robertson County

Heavy rains and saturated soils have played havoc with tobacco and commercial tomato crops. There have been some adverse effects on soybeans and corn. Late first cutting hay still standing in the field. Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

Rains in the area during the 4th of July weekend has flood some fields, these field have been slow to dry this week, slowing work, and causing some problems in fields where water has stood for more than a week. Sheldon Barker, Sequatchie County

Corn and soybean fields throughout the county have spots that have drowned out and spots that had flood waters in them. Many of the small vegetable fruit producers reporting losses of tomatoes, beans, cucurbits, peaches and blackberries, due to disease and insect pressure and general rot. We now have gotten the total rainfall for the year. We are over 47 inches so far. Neal Denton, Knox County

Heavy rains have stunted and damaged many crops in low lying areas. Jerry Lamb, Rhea County