Rain continued to dampen efforts to plant corn in the Volunteer State during the week ending April 29, according to a report from NASS.

Plantings were about a week behind the five-year average, with only two days available for planting, according to the report. Planted corn was at 47 percent, compared with 31 the week before, 92 in 2012, and the five-year average of 63 percent.

Farmers hoped that the upcoming week would bring nicer weather and more opportunities for planting, the report states. Overall, the wheat crop in the state is faring better than the corn crop, with 60 percent of winter wheat rated in good condition.

“Growers (are) frustrated with wet weather preventing completion of 
corn planting at this time. However, where irrigation is available, they intend to keep planting corn possibly into early May,” reported Extension Agent Tim Campbell of Dyer County. “Wheat (is) progressing well, with possibly 90 percent at flag leaf stage. Of the corn acres that are planted, possibly 8 to 10 percent have spiked and up where you can row it looking down the row.”

J.C. Dupree, Lauderdale County agent, said the wet weather has helped other crops, but not corn in his county. He said, “Recent rains have not allowed for more corn planting since last week.”

Farmers may get one day to plant before the next rain. Wheat is in good to excellent condition. For beef cattle farmers, the rain is ideal for spring pastures. Cattle are in excellent condition,” Dupree stated.

“The farmers in Fayette County may have had about two days to plant corn this week. Many are switching to other crops starting next week once it dries enough to get in the field. Temps have been cool after a front that came through the beginning of the week. Wheat looks good for the most part and many farmers have and are spraying fungicides,” reported Jeffery Via of Fayette County.

“First of the week, lots of planting and then the rain moved into our area. Had a few outbreak areas of wheat fungus that have or will be treated. Overall the wheat crop is looking pretty good,” said Jake Goddard, agent for Madison County.

Rainfall averaged well above normal for the entire state during the previous week.