As reported by NASS on July 22, 2013
CROPS STILL IN MOSTLY GOOD CONDITION
Scattered showers were the norm last week. These damp conditions led to some negative effects on tobacco, tomatoes and melons. Tobacco and cotton were rated mostly in fair-to-good condition. Corn and soybeans were rated in good-to-excellent condition. Farmers last week were also active scouting for insects, diseases and topping tobacco.
There were 5 days suitable for field work this past week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged slightly above normal across the state. Precipitation showed large variability with most areas slightly below normal.
|
Crop Condition % July 21, 2013 |
||||||
|
|
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
|
| Corn |
TN |
0% |
4% |
14% |
56% |
26% |
|
US |
3% |
8% |
26% |
46% |
17% |
|
| Cotton |
TN |
2% |
4% |
21% |
54% |
19% |
|
US |
10% |
14% |
32% |
34% |
10% |
|
| Soybeans |
TN |
1% |
4% |
16% |
58% |
21% |
|
US |
2% |
6% |
28% |
51% |
13% |
|
| Pasture |
TN |
0% |
2% |
16% |
65% |
17% |
|
US |
11% |
17% |
28% |
36% |
8% |
|
|
Crop Progress |
|||||
| July 21, 2013 | July 14, 2013 | July 21, 2012 | 5 Year Average | ||
| Soybeans-Blooming |
TN |
27% |
15% |
72% |
61% |
|
US |
46% |
26% |
78% |
59% |
|
| Soybeans – Setting Pods |
TN |
9% |
1% |
44% |
31% |
|
US |
8% |
n/a |
33% |
19% |
|
| Corn – Silking or Beyond |
TN |
85% |
75% |
97% |
93% |
|
US |
43% |
16% |
84% |
56% |
|
| Corn-Dough or Beyond |
TN |
43% |
22% |
71% |
46% |
|
US |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
| Corn-Dent or Beyond |
TN |
6% |
– |
28% |
11% |
|
US |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
| Cotton Squaring |
TN |
68% |
52% |
92% |
94% |
|
US |
77% |
69% |
88% |
83% |
|
| Cotton-Setting Bolls |
TN |
14% |
2% |
52% |
47% |
|
US |
27% |
17% |
45% |
42% |
|
County Agent Comments
The farmers in Fayette County were busy scouting beans and cotton this week. As a result, many were in their fields spraying. Fungicides are starting in beans at R3. Jeffrey Via, Fayette County
Conditions are turning dry except for some lower river bottoms that experienced flooding due to rains in middle & east Tn. Estimates are 6000+ acres of crops lost Brian White, Hardin County
We have had several pop up showers this week. The rain is much needed to help yield on corn and soybeans. The cotton has really grown due to the DD60’s. Many cotton fields were blooming this week. Stink bugs have been a problem this week in early planted soybeans. Plant bugs are an ongoing problem in cotton this week as well. Pastures and cattle are still in good condition. Jake Mallard, Madison County
The much higher than normal rainfall amounts and lower temperatures for July have created excellent growing conditions for both crops and pastures. These conditions have also created more disease issues with tomatoes, such as early blight. David Cook, Davidson County
Corn and soybeans look good. Last soybeans went into the ground this week. Tobacco has suffered significant damage from excess moisture but is looking better than last week. Pasture and cattle remain very good, but the high heat index this past week has been tough on cattle. Ruth Correll, Wilson County
Scattered to isolated showers continue to hinder wheat and hay harvest and soybean planting. Temperatures have been warm, with highs in the low to mid 90’s and lows in the mid 70’s. Rainfall totals ranged from zero to nearly 1.5 inches in a few isolated spots. A few acres of wheat are still yet to be harvested, as well as several acres of soybeans waiting to be planted. Low lying areas that tend to pond water are either void of crops or have very poor crops. Crops on upland soils are in good-to-excellent condition. Farmers have been busy applying herbicides to soybeans. Ed Burns, Franklin County
Excessive moisture is causing major problems in tobacco and commercial fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, melons and other cucurbits. Scott Chadwell, Putnam County
Tomatoes are stressed due to increased rain fall. Disease is high in most fields, looking at a 25% yield loss. Anthony Carver, Grainger County
