Crop Progress

As reported by NASS on October 28, 2013

 LIGHT FROSTS TO HARD FREEZES REPORTED

Reports of light frosts to hard freezes, which will assist with the drying of corn and soybeans, were reported. At the same time last year, producers were battling persistent rain showers in harvesting efforts. Corn yields continue to be reported as well above average, filling elevators and resulting in some corn being bagged or sent to rented storage space. Activities last week included lime spreading wheat seeding, and cotton defoliation. There were 6.0 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 16 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

 County Agent Comments

Row crop producers are finally getting weather that is conducive to harvesting corn and soybeans. Cotton continues to be sprayed with defoliants with only a few acres harvested. JC Dupree, Jr. Lauderdale County

Corn harvest is just about finished. There was a fairly severe frost event on 10/25. It will have impact on soybeans and cotton as harvesting of those crops get underway. Walter Battle, Haywood County

The farmers in Fayette County have been busy this week harvesting corn and, where they can, beans and cotton. Wheat has started to be planted. Jeffery Via, Fayette County

Corn harvest nearly complete now and soybean harvest moving forward with reports of 50 to 60 bushel/ac yields. Seeding in pasture’s that were renovated in Sept showing good growth of new grass. Producers continued to cut fall growth of hay last week. Paul Hart, Robertson County

Excellent harvest weather helped to keep combines rolling this week. Local elevators are getting corn and soybeans delivered, making for some unloading delays. Wheat seeding has gotten started this week as well as lime spreading. Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

Killing frost will assist with the drying of corn and beans and will make that latter part of harvest in full swing starting over the weekend. Ricky Skillington, Marshall County

We didn’t have rain this week but we were after lunch every day getting in the field because of high humidity. We had a good freeze on Friday morning. Larry Moore, Moore County

Frost this morning and freeze forecasted for tonight. Spiny amaranth is toast! All tobacco is baled. Late planted Cotton is not opened up yet. Some late beans may be in trouble. Corn almost finished, mostly 175 bu/ac and up. John Goddard, Loudon County

Most producers ready for the first hard freeze. Soybean and corn harvest moving along nicely. Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

Light frost started the week with sub- freezing temps ending the week. Corn harvest finished up this week, all elevators reporting full and either bagging corn or renting additional storage space. All farmers reporting best crop ever with yields averaging plus or minus 200 bushels per acre. Soybean harvest is in full swing, foggy conditions and heavy dews has slowed progress, about 5% of the crop was lost to freezing temps at weeks end. Canola planting has been completed with 80% of the crop emerged. Wheat producers have about 20% of the crop planted, could use some moisture to improve germination.

 Ed Burns, Franklin County