News

Weather advancing Tennessee crops

Extended hot, dry weather is progressing corn harvest, while pressuring late-planted soybeans. 

According to the USDA’s latest Crop and Weather report, 38 percent of the state’s corn crop has been harvested, that’s on pace with last year and slightly ahead of the 5-year averages.  Soybean harvest is underway, with 9 percent of the crop cut ahead of both last year and the 5-year averages with 39 percent of the crop dropping leaves.  The state’s cotton crop is rated 59 percent good to excellent with 47 percent of the crop opening bolls.  Eighty-percent of the state’s tobacco crop has been cut, well ahead of both last year and the 5-year averages.  One percent of the winter wheat crop has been planted. 

Pastures continue to deteriorate as soil moisture is on the decline.  The dry weather is raising concerns for cattle producers who indicate that they’ll soon need to feed hay and it could threaten stock levels through the winter.