As reported by NASS on June 25, 2012

DRY CONDITIONS PREVAILING

The high pressure system holding over Tennessee caused a continuation of the hot and dry weather last week. Virtually all of the featured weather stations across the state now show considerable precipitation deficits indicating moderate drought conditions. Soil moisture reports indicate that moisture levels in the state were 60 percent short to very short in West Tennessee, 80 percent short to very short in Middle Tennessee, and 70 percent short to very short in East Tennessee. The effects of the extended dry spell on crops have begun to show, but most crops continue to be rated in fair-to-good condition. Corn development remains well ahead of normal with seventy percent in the silking stage, but plants are twisting in many areas. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on June 18, 2012

RAIN PROVIDED RELIEF IN SOME AREAS; CONTINUED DRY IN OTHERS

The weather pattern of scattered showers continued last week leaving 46 percent of Tennessee farmland short of soil moisture at week’s end. Crops continued to hold in mostly good condition. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop is in the critical pollination stage. Wheat harvest, soybean planting and tobacco transplanting are now about finished. Full-season soybeans are beginning to bloom and almost a third of the cotton crop is entering the squaring stage of development. As the hot Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on June 11, 2012

WHEAT HARVEST GOING STRONG; PLANTERS CHASING COMBINES

Wheat harvest is going strong with many farmers reporting excellent yields, except for some spotty areas that were hurt by the late April frost. Taking advantage of moisture received early in the week, planters have been chasing combines to plant double crop soybeans. Corn has entered a critical growth stage as it begins to silk and tassel, but more moisture is needed in some areas for proper development. Vegetable crops were reported as starting to show signs of stress from dry conditions. Many crops continue to be rated in mostly good condition after temporary relief was provided by rain showers across most of the state. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on June 4, 2012

EXCELLENT WHEAT HARVEST PROGRESS

Wheat harvest was the main story last week as farmers made excellent progress with over fifty percent harvested. Cotton planting was almost wrapped-up by week’s end. Good progress was also made planting soybeans and transplanting tobacco. Late week rains helped replenish soil moisture levels and were especially beneficial to corn. Cotton, soybeans and tobacco were progressing well ahead of the norm and rated in mostly good condition. The majority of pastures were reported in mostly fair-to-good condition. Other field activities included pesticide and herbicide applications. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on May 29, 2012

WHEAT HARVEST UNDERWAY

Wheat harvest has begun! Producers report that this start is among the earliest they recall. Great harvest weather, however, does not spell good planting and crop development. Dry conditions persisted last week leading to a near halt in planting the remainder of the cotton and soybean crops. All crops, however, continue to be rated in mostly good condition. Corn, at week’s end, was showing some signs of dry weather stress. Thrips continue to be reported in cotton and soybean fields. Continue reading →