The drought of 2012 is shaping up to be one of those widespread tough ones no one forgets, like 1983 or 1988. Hopefully, we will get a good general rain here shortly. This drought has been the source of calls from frustrated folks who are still trying to control Palmer amaranth. The question has been asked should I discontinue weed control with the yield potential of my crops going down every day. Continue reading
The continued dry weather has affected pasture quality and increased the calls from producers feeding livestock who are trying to determine whether it would be more profitable to feed their corn as silage rather than harvest stressed fields for grain. Drought stressed corn is Continue reading
With the current heat wave and continuing lack of rain, non-irrigated corn is declining in quality daily. Where corn must be harvested for grain, getting some idea of yield potential can help us make decisions about the crop- whether to revisit the amounts contracted or call the crop insurance adjustor. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on July 2, 2012
OPPRESSIVE HEAT AND BRUTALLY DRY CONDITIONS
CONTINUE TO STRIKE TENNESSEE FARMLAND
The hottest temperatures on record coupled with no precipitation last week led to a deterioration of crop conditions throughout the state. Topsoil moisture supplies are rated short or very short on 94 percent of Tennessee farmland. The corn and pasture acreages are especially affected, as almost half the corn is rated in very poor or poor condition with two-thirds of the pastures in this same category. Soybean, tobacco, and cotton acreage remained in mostly fair-to-good condition but declined substantially in one week. Pastures are parched and livestock producers are feeding hay, an event that normally begins in the fall. Continue reading
Corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat prices are up for the week. The September U.S. Dollar Index traded before the close at 81.77, down 1.24 today and 0.67 for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average before the close traded at 12,835, up 232 points today and 172 points since last Friday. Crude Oil traded at 83.89 a barrel mid-day, up 6.20 today and up 4.13 a barrel for the week. Today’s USDA Acreage and Grain Stocks report did not contain any major surprises and the market should soon turn if it has not already back to trading the weather and news on the European bailout on banks and their financial condition. Continue reading
Comments on the June 29, 2012 USDA Acreage and Grain Stocks reports have been posted at Acreage Report June 29 12. Continue reading
The following is copied from an email sent to extension agents from Debbie Joines, Plant and Soil Testing lab in Nashville concerning nitrate testing in forages including drought stressed corn that may end up being used for forage. Continue reading
Of course, the answer to this question depends on several things ….. Continue reading