As reported by NASS on June 10, 2013
FIELD WORK DELAYS RETURN
Farmers maximized their time in the fields this past week, with only about 3.5 days suitable for field work. Continued wet conditions led to flooding in some low lying areas last week. The wheat crop continued to be rated in mostly good-to-excellent condition, but the high winds from this past week’s storms caused some lodging. Wheat harvest hasn’t started yet. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on May 28, 2013
WINTER WHEAT CROP PROGRESSING NICELY
Early last week was marked by scattered showers across the state, which hampered progress in the fields; however, farmers were able to rebound nicely with sunny conditions later in the week. Many farmers across the state finished planting and replanting corn, while others applied side dressing applications where conditions would allow. Continue reading
Most of the wheat in Tennessee is in the milking/dough growth stage (early kernel growth stages – Feekes 11.1 to 11.2) and the window to apply fungicides has passed. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on May 13, 2013
COOL, WET CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO SLOW SPRING PLANTING
Farmers once again struggled to get out into the fields last week due to persistent wet conditions. Almost half of the farmland in the state is reported as having surplus soil moisture levels. These wet conditions have made for a very slow start with corn, cotton, and soybean plantings falling about two weeks below the five year average. Corn growth is also being slowed due to the cooler than normal weather for this time of year. Continue reading
Wheat in Tennessee has headed out and a good majority is flowering, which is the main growth stage for applying fungicides for Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) control. Continue reading
Some wheat fields are looking less green than we hoped for but not surprising due to the continued mini-monsoons we keep winding up with. A good bit of the wheat crop is at the flag leaf stage meaning it is too late to add additional N at this point. Continue reading
Disease levels in Tennessee have increased over the last couple of weeks. I have gotten more reports on stripe rust, a few fields with powdery mildew, have seen leaf blotch (Septoria blotch) in every field, and with wheat beginning to bloom Fusarium head blight is on the disease radar. Continue reading
I’m writing this article a little in jest, making fun of insect pictures that are texted or emailed to me for identification. However, with the good cameras available on many phones, a picture can really help. Continue reading