Tennessee experienced warm temperatures and dry weather last week. Producers have been hard at work getting corn, soybeans, and cotton in the ground. In some areas, the first cutting of cool season hay is already underway. In others, producers have been spraying for weeds and fertilizing their pastures and hay fields. Winter wheat is growing quickly with the favorable weather with most stands reported as looking good. As of April 25, 2024, only a few counties across the state are in D-0 abnormally dry category, with soil moisture levels remaining sufficient for now. Statewide, there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

Topsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus.

CROP PROGRESS

Apples (blooming) – 83 percent this week, 77 percent last week

Corn (planted) – 49 percent this week, 31 percent last week

Corn (emerged) – 18 percent this week, 5 percent last week

Cotton (planted) – 5 percent this week, 1 percent last week

Soybeans (planted) – 28 percent this week, 17 percent last week

Winter Wheat (jointed) – 92 percent this week, 86 percent last week

Winter Wheat (headed) – 60 percent this week, 36 percent last week

CONDITIONS

Strawberries – 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 15 percent excellent

Pasture – 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 10 percent excellent

Winter Wheat – 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 13 percent excellent

Cattle – 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 13 percent excellent