Rainy weather dominated most of Tennessee, forcing the majority of farmers out of the field.

In West Tennessee, some cotton growers were considering reducing their acreage because of excessively wet conditions. Storms hitting during the first part of the week caused power outages and damage to farm buildings, further delaying corn and soybean planting.

In Middle Tennessee, hay producers were waiting for drier conditions to start cutting, with many fearing that the recent cool weather would decrease their yields. Tobacco growers were eager to begin transplanting.

In East Tennessee, fruit and vegetable crops rebounded slightly from the damage suffered during the recent cold weather. Greenhouse tomato harvest began, but was slowed by cool overnight temperatures. Hay cutting was expected to begin just as soon as weather allows.

There were 2.7 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was 2 percent short 58 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 1 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus.

CROP PROGRESS

Corn (planted) – 75 percent this week, 65 percent last week

Corn (emerged) – 52 percent this week, 35 percent last week

Cotton (planted) – 3 percent this week, 2 percent last week

Soybeans (planted) – 25 percent this week, 15 percent last week

Soybeans (emerged) – 8 percent this week, 0 percent last week

Winter Wheat (jointing) – 98 percent this week,94 percent last week

Winter Wheat (headed) – 80 percent this week, 59 percent last week

CROP CONDITIONS

Pasture – 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 50 percent good, 13 percent excellent

Strawberries – 8 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 51 percent good, 14 percent excellent

Winter Wheat – 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 60 percent good, 16 percent excellent