A recent Ag poll indicated 80% of respondents felt they were behind on planting this spring.  No surprise in Tennessee, as farmers once again take advantage of a small window for planting at the end of April ahead of more rain. Soil temperatures are adequate for corn or soybean, but weekly rains have hampered progress compared to the past two years.  We are about 20% planted of intended corn acres with a very small percentage (<5%) of soybeans in the ground.  Tennessee planting date data shows yields are very similar when upland corn is planted the last week of April up to about May 10.  Full coverage crop insurance is available to producers for corn planted through May 20th in west Tennessee and May 25th for TN river counties and all counties eastward.

Producers are encouraged to continue to plant their driest fields first to help minimize impact of heavy ground on furrow closure and potential sidewall compaction which can impede seedling corn root growth and reduce yield.  While soybeans (especially Maturity group 5 and 4 varieties) can yield higher when planted in April, if you must choose between planting upland corn or soybeans, I would plant corn. This isn’t our first wet spring with it’s challenges, and it won’t be the last.  Don’t lose heart and keep on planting!