Southwestern corn borer (SWCB) moths being caught in pheromone traps are starting to increase in some areas, especially those where there was a fair sized first generation flight. Expect to see moth catches increase dramatically over the next two weeks. I previously posted a detailed article about interpreting what these traps catches mean (link here). Below are a few bullet points for your consideration. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on July 5, 2011
CROPS IN GOOD SHAPE ENTERING MONTH OF JULY. Last week’s mix of scattered rain and sunshine left most of Tennessee’s crops rated in good condition. The corn crop, in particular, has thrived so far this season, with over a quarter of the crop in excellent condition. Most areas received sufficient rain to keep soil moisture levels healthy while still providing farmers with enough dry days to conduct fieldwork. Wheat harvest and soybean planting were virtually complete across the state by week’s end. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 27, 2011
GOOD WEATHER CONTINUES FOR TENNESSEE’S CROPS
Tennessee farmers received another week of favorable weather for crop growth. Scattered thunderstorms moved across the state and most areas recorded some amount of measurable precipitation. Several weeks of normal to above-average rainfall have replenished soil moisture levels. However, there were still enough dry days last week for farmers across the state to make some progress wrapping up wheat harvest, hay cutting, and soybean planting. As of the end of last week, Tennessee’s corn, cotton, soybean and tobacco crops were all rated in mostly good condition. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 20, 2011
RAIN ARRIVES AS WHEAT HARVEST PROGRESSES. A slow-moving front dropped precipitation across most of Tennessee last week, creating improved conditions for spring-planted crops. Normal temperatures coupled with rains provided a welcome relief for farmers concerned about the effect of hot and dry weather earlier this month. In between rains, farmers were busy harvesting Continue reading
Japanese beetles are showing up in corn, soybean and cotton. Of these cotton is their least favorite. These showy beetles often hang out in groups and draw a lot of attention. Fortunately, they rarely cause yield loss in field crops. The beetles will feed on leaves, flowers and corn silks. Japanese beetles have a wide host range which includes many ornamental plants. They were introduced into the northeast U.S. nearly 100 years ago and have been slowly spreading south and east ever since. They only have one generation per year, and the adults started emerging last week. Adults will continue to emerge for several more weeks and will persist into July. Larvae are white grubs that feed underground and are sometimes a pest of turfgrass. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 13, 2011
WHEAT HARVEST TAKES OFF AS HIGH TEMPS PERSIST
Spurred on by another week of hot, dry conditions, Tennessee’s wheat farmers were able to harvest well over a third of the crop last week. Producers have harvested more of the winter wheat crop by this time of year than any other spring since 2006. Warmer than average temperatures coupled with Continue reading
Last year, we had more reports of aflatoxin in corn than previous years and with the extreme heat we are experiencing now, folks have concerns once again about managing aflatoxin. Producers who went to winter meetings may remember some UT data shown about an aflatoxin preventative product called AflaGuard marketed by Syngenta. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 6, 2011
WEATHER CHANGES COURSE FOR FARMERS
Tennessee farmers took advantage of unseasonably hot and dry weather to make progress planting cotton and soybeans last week. Hay producers also made use of the dry conditions and were able to cut significant amount of the state’s hay acreage. By week’s end, corn planting was virtually complete. Continue reading