Mild Dry Autumn Weather Pushes Harvest Forward

Tennessee farmers made significant harvest progress during last week’s dry fall weather. Corn and tobacco harvests at week’s end were winding down while soybean and cotton harvests were in high gear, even though progress lagged behind normal and last year’s rapid pace. The cotton and soybean crops were rated mostly in good-to-excellent condition. Other activities last week included wheat and forage seeding, cutting hay, applying lime, and defoliating cotton. Also, tobacco growers are beginning the stripping process in preparation for marketing. Pasture growth has slowed due to dry conditions.

There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent very short, 30 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 8 percent very short, 28 percent short and 64 percent adequate. Temperatures averaged near normal across Tennessee last week. Rainfall averaged below normal across the state.

Visit the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Tennessee Field Office for more information