Although most of Tennessee was blessed with an overabundance of rain this spring, warmer than average temperatures have increased water use by the corn crop and fields should be monitored now if irrigation is an option. Continue reading
In addition to the East, Middle and West TN Grain Conferences and the Cotton Focus event, UT Extension is hosting a series of meetings to be held throughout the state to prepare growers for the upcoming season. These meetings will focus on variety selection, insect and plant disease management, weed management, and other current crop production topics.
Below is a list of the production meetings to be held in January and February. Please contact your local UT Extension office for more details on time and location. Continue reading
Heat unit accumulation has been the big question over the past week. Mild temperatures settled over Tennessee during early August and there is some concern that the crop may not be maturing as quickly as noted in years past. While I agree the weather has been quite comfortable, we are currently very close to the 30 year average heat unit accumulation trend noted from 1980-2010.
The three-month outlook for July, August, and September currently depicts enhanced odds of warmer than normal temperatures. Meanwhile, the precipitation outlook for the same three-month time period places the region in an area of equal chances of above, near, or below normal precipitation totals (see the map). Continue reading
Warm weather and high heat indexes mean farmers are irrigating fields that have missed rain recently. It is important to consider crop stage and utilize available soil sensor data to make the best decision on when and how much water to apply. Continue reading
The new publication, “W 403: Verticillium Wilt in Tennessee Valley Cotton” provides background on Verticillium wilt, summarizes recent variety trial results, and highlights other practices that can reduce the impact of the disease. Continue reading
Temperatures are heading up and even west TN is finally experiencing a break in rainfall. It is time to take stock of crop growth stages, make any last minute repairs to irrigation equipment and irrigate our corn. We also need to decide how early to begin watering soybeans and any sorghum under a pivot. Continue reading
A new publication has been released detailing the 2015 planted acreage for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybeans, and wheat in Tennessee by County. To review this publication go to 2015 Planted Acreage in Tennessee.