As reported by NASS on November 12, 2013

COTTON, SOYBEAN HARVESTS LAG WELL BEHIND AVERAGE

Cold and rainy conditions this fall have delayed soybean and particularly cotton harvests in the majority of the State this season.  The lag in the harvests of these crops has had the additional effect of delayed wheat seedings.  Despite this, yields continue to be reported as above average.  A side benefit of the rains has been an improvement of range and pasture conditions.  Activities last week included wheat seeding and cotton defoliation. Even though there were 5.0 days suitable for field work this week, producers are still struggling to get crops out of the field.  Topsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 18 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 17 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

County Agent Comments

Harvest progress continues slowly due to lack of moisture dry down in corn and soybeans. Cotton harvest slowly progressing due to continued slow boll opening. Corn and soybean yields have been good. Cotton yields still uncertain.  Tim Campbell, Dyer County

All crops are mature or maturing with producers in full swing of corn, soybean harvest. Some cotton is still drying down but cotton is being picked in county as well. Producers are harvesting all crops as weather permits.  JC Dupree, Jr. Lauderdale County

The farmers had a good week last week for the most part on harvest. Beans, corn and cotton are still in the field. Yields have been good so far.  Wheat is being planted as fast as they can get it in.  Jeffery D. Via, Fayette County

Due to rains harvest is running two weeks behind. Producers are being stretched thin with labor as cotton and soybean harvest, is coinciding with wheat planting. Pastures are in great shape going forward.  Walter Battle, Haywood County                                                                                            

Very productive week. Cotton and Soybean harvesting is going full speed ahead. Cotton yields are all over the board. Cotton is running 1-3 bale per acre but the later planted cotton has not been picked and it looks to be the least yielding. Soybean yields are some of the best I have seen in my life. Full season beans are 20 to 30 bushels better than the double cropped beans. Soybean yields running 50-80 bushels per acre.  Jake Mallard, Madison County

A mid-week rain event stopped combines for a couple of days, but they were rolling again by week’s end. Several producers have finished harvesting corn and are concentrating on soybeans while the exact opposite is true for other producers. Good progress has been made on wheat seeding despite above average soil moisture.  Jeff Lannom, Weakley County

Producers still trying to finish corn harvest. Bean and cotton harvest are more than 50% complete.      Kevin Rose, Giles County

We have planted a lot of wheat the last two weeks and soybean harvest is about to wind down.   Larry Moorehead, Moore County

Harvesting corn and soybeans. Yields are reported above average. Tobacco stripping progressing but labor an issue. Tobacco quality is reported as good. Fall calves are looking good and pastures still in pretty good condition.   Ruth Correll, Wilson County

Grain harvesting going well. Beef producers beginning to feed hay after 3-4 heavy frost. Scott Chadwell, Putnam County

Received 1/2 inch of rain this week. We could use more rain on pastures.   John Goddard, Loudon County