TENNESSEE PERSISTS DESPITE DRY CONDITIONS
Corn harvest continues to progress rapidly with producers reporting favorable yields. Soybean growers with late-planted beans continue to feel effects of the extended hot, dry weather. Baling of hay continued to be a major activity due to near perfect harvesting conditions; some report concerns of quality. Pasture conditions continued to deteriorate as soil moisture decreased, causing worries among livestock producers. Some indicate that the need to feed hay is approaching; creating concern about stock levels through the winter. There were 6.8 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was rated 25 percent very short, 50 percent short, and 25 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture was rated 19 percent very short, 48 percent short, and 33 percent adequate. The entire report can be read here: TN Crop Weather 09_13_2019. The latest National Crop Progress report can be viewed here as well:  US Crop Progress 09_13_2019.

DRY WEATHER CAUSES CONCERN

Corn harvest was in full swing with producers generally reporting good yields. However, soybean growers, particularly those with late-planted beans, were concerned about the effects of the recent hot, dry weather. Baling of hay continued to be a major activity due to near perfect harvesting conditions. Hemp growers noted some disease pressure, but this did not appear to be affecting yields. Pasture conditions deteriorated rapidly as soil moisture decreased, causing worries among livestock producers. There were 6.9 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was rated 11 percent very short, 41 percent short, 47 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 36 percent short, and 55 percent adequate. You can read the entire report here: TN Crop Weather 09_09_2019. You can also read the latest USDA national crop progress report here:  US Crop Progress 09_09_2019.

Dr. Larry Steckel provides a rundown of 2019 weed control issues. Looking ahead, he offers recommendations on spray nozzles, application timings and weeds to watch. Play podcast.

CORN, TOBACCO, HEMP HARVEST BEGINS

Producers who have dryer capabilities started harvesting corn last week, with good yields reported. Additionally, tobacco harvest is underway, as is hemp harvest. Hay baling was the predominant activity last week. Other field activities included spraying for insects. Hard rains hit some areas of the state but only halted field activities temporarily. There were 6.0 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. You can read the entire report at: TN Crop Weather 09_03_2019. You can also read the latest USDA Crop Condition report at: US Crop Progress 09_03_2019.

The 2019 Mid-South Cotton Defoliation Guide is now available online.  You can access the guide by clicking the above image or any of the embedded links within this post. This guide was compiled by Extension Specialists from throughout the Mid-South and is updated yearly.