SCATTERED RAIN AND THUNDERSHOWERS SLOW HAY HARVEST

Remnants of Hurricane turned Tropical Storm Barry brought rain and thunderstorms to the State, especially West Tennessee. The rains were slow to or did not run-off bottom land but improved conditions of crops planted on higher ground. Though the hay crop is ready for another cutting, rains kept producers out of the field waiting for more favorable conditions. Crop spraying occurred as weather permitted. Some tobacco was topped and sucker control applied. The rain, combined with sometimes oppressive heat, helped pastures but
kept cattle in search of shaded areas. There were only 3.8 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus.  You can read the entire Tennessee Crop Weather report at: TN Crop Weather 07_22_19. You can also read the latest national crop progress report at: US Crop Progress 07_22_2019.