Search Site   
News Stories at a Glance
Deere 4440 cab tractor racked up $18,000 at farm retirement auction
Indiana legislature passes bills for ag land purchases, broadband grants
Make spring planting safety plans early to avoid injuries
Michigan soybean grower visits Dubai to showcase U.S. products
Scientists are interested in eclipse effects on crops and livestock
U.S. retail meat demand for pork and beef both decreased in 2023
Iowa one of the few states to see farms increase in 2022 Ag Census
Trade, E15, GREET, tax credits the talk at Commodity Classic
Ohioan travels to Malta as part of US Grains Council trade mission
FFA members learn about Australian culture, agriculture during trip
Timing of Dicamba ruling may cause issues for 2024 planting
   
Archive
Search Archive  
   
Between the Rows - July 21, 2010 (Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa)
Kentucky
When it rains it pours and that is exactly what some areas in the state saw last week in the midst of what has turned out to be a hot dry summer so far.

In fact the rains created severe flash flooding occurrences in a few places claiming two lives and prompting Gov. Steve Beshear to activate the Common-wealth Emergency Operations Center and declare a state of emergency for Pike and Shelby counties, his office said. “I was very saddened to hear of the deaths and devastation caused by this weekend’s severe flooding,” said Beshear. “My administration is committed to assisting impacted Kentuckians through this disaster, and this order will help us supply whatever resources are necessary.”

Those recent rains will bring some relief to Kentucky crops which had been feeling the effects of the hot dry weather.

The latest information from the Kentucky NASS Field Office noted that the corn crop, as of July 12, was in mostly good condition with 2 percent rated as very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. The report also indicated that corn silking stood at 68 percent, well ahead of last year’s 35 percent and the five-year average of 57 percent.

The soybean crop was reported to be 27 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 24 percent excellent at this point in the growing season with soybean blooming at 49 percent, ahead of last year’s 16 percent, and the five year average of 28 percent.

The tobacco crop was still looking good as of the July 12 report with 16 percent of set tobacco less than 12 inches high, 36 percent from 12 to 24 inches in height, and 48 percent over 24 inches tall.

By Tim Thornberry
Kentucky Correspondent

Tennessee
A lack of rain amidst soaring temperatures affected crops across the state during the week ending July 11, reports the Tennessee NASS.

“The farmers in Fayette County are in dire need for rain. The crops are showing signs of stress. Pastures and hayfields are turning brown and hay will start to be fed soon. Ponds are losing water. Farmers were able to spray pesticides,” reports Jeff Via, Fayette County agent.

The National Weather Service said high temperatures across the state for the week were in the upper 90s, with the reporting station at Kingston Spring hitting a high of 99 degrees. The heat combined with little or no rain has proven disastrous for some crops in Franklin County, according to agent Ed Burns.

“Lack of rain over the past three weeks coupled with 90 degree plus temperatures have dramatically affected the corn, soybean, and cotton crop. Potentially the best crop ever has suffered, especially corn and soybeans that were in critical stages of pollination and grain fill,” Burns said.

“We are continually missing rains that others are getting. It has become critical in most of the county,” said James Griffin of Lauderdale County.

“Most crops are suffering, especially on lighter soils. Later soybeans look the worst, with some wheat beans never germinating. Some spots have not had rain in at least 6 weeks. If this continues cotton will be done setting squares.”

“Early corn is in milk stage and struggling due to drought. Late corn is twisting and desperately needs rain. Soybeans are setting pods now and need rain. Tobacco is firing up the bottom leaves. Pasture is gone. Second cutting hay is not in sight. Milk production has decreased due to heat. Pinkeye problems and fly control have become widespread issues,” states John Goddard, Loudon County agent.

Despite the drought-like conditions, the majority of crops were rated in good condition and some counties had rain. “Rain on Friday and throughout weekend. Big relief for everyone. Corn crop will be made on this rain. Soybeans starting to set pods. Will provide relief of pastures,” agent J. Dale Beaty of Warren County stated.

Sixty-two percent of the state’s cotton crop and 53 percent of soybeans are rated in good condition. Thirty-eight percent of corn is rated good while nearly that much, 30 percent, is rated in fair condition and 14 percent rated poor, according to NASS. Topsoil moisture levels saw 33 percent as adequate, 41 percent short and 26 very short.

By Tesa Nauman
Tennessee Correspondent

Iowa
The fairly dry week following the Fourth of July weekend gave Iowa farmers a much-needed opportunity to recover from last month’s heavy rainfall – although many fields were still having ponding issues. “Sunshine and dry weather have been helpful this past week, fortunately some farmers have been able to re-plant some areas affected by flooding,” said Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. “In areas not affected by flooding, the corn is looking good.”

The July 12 Iowa Crop & Weather Report said producers suffering crop losses due to excess moisture and flooding are re-planting sections since days are running out to get a crop in the ground.
“Many fields have sections with crop loss and farmers will probably not have an opportunity to re-plant,” the report said. “Corn has begun to silk, and areas not affected by flooding look very good.
“However, producers are becoming concerned with the root penetration,” the report added. “Pastures are still providing adequate grazing as growth continues due to adequate supplies of moisture.”

The report said corn are 47 percent tasseled and 24 percent has silked, with 46 percent of soybeans beginning to bloom. Nearly all of the first cutting of alfalfa hay has been harvested and 47 percent of the second cutting is completed, the report added.

Virgil Schmitt, Iowa State University Extension field agronomist, said Japanese beetles have now been found in some corn fields in Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott counties in southeast Iowa.
He added that both Japanese beetles and green cloverworms are also causing noticeable feeding in some soybean fields.

By Doug Schmitz
Iowa  Correspondent
7/21/2010