While scattered showers were apparent last week and over the weekend across the state, the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures and sun-baked days diminished most of the moisture which would have benefited row crops.
Reporters in all regions across the state reiterated the need for a general, good soaking rain. Row crops were holding on with three-fourths of the corn and winter wheat acres rated in good-to-excellent condition. Crop development continues to advance well ahead of the normal pace, according to the USDA. Pastures declined some from the previous week, but cattle were reported to be mostly good condition.
Other farm activities this week included post-emergence herbicide and fertilizer applications; cutting hay; scouting for insects and diseases; harvesting strawberries; and continued assessment of freeze damage on fruit crops.
“Producers have been busy side-dressing corn with nitrogen, applying post-emerge herbicides on corn and planting soybeans. Hay producers have taken advantage of the dry weather and have harvested most of the first cutting of forage crops,” Weakley County Ag Extension agent Jeff Lannom said.
According to the USDA, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 13 percent very short; 34 percent short; 52 percent adequate; and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 7 percent very short; 35 percent short; 57 percent adequate; and 1 percent surplus. Temperatures across the state averaged well above normal while rainfall amounts averaged below normal across the state, despite hit or miss thunderstorms that developed this past week.
Last week, the progress of planted corn was reported at 98 percent. Forty-nine percent of winter wheat has turned color.
The average temperature last week as 78 degrees, with the lowest temperature reported at 65 degrees. Precipitation since Jan. 1 is nearly 6 inches below normal and measured at 3 inches below normal since April 1.

WCP 5.10.12