Harvests of corn and soybeans in the Volunteer State were hampered by rains late in the week ending Sept. 14, according to NASS’ weekly report. While rain slowed hay harvesting and possibly has affected that crop’s quality, it did help late soybeans and pastures recuperate from armyworm infestation. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week.

Despite these regional concerns with armyworms and tobacco disease, overall production for one of the state’s crops appears to be in good standing. NASS stated as of Sept. 1, Tennessee forecasts a record production and yield for its corn. That echoes national production.

This also was a good year for Tennessee’s strawberries, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture. An early spring with warm temperatures helped growers produce a bumper crop.

The state’s crops have fared well this summer, with the majority of corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco and pasture consistently being rated in fair-to-good condition, according to NASS. Two weeks into September, all of those crops had only 1 percent being rated very poor except for corn – which didn’t have any very poor ratings.

"The farmers in Fayette County started the week off full blast, harvesting milo and corn. Some started on some earlier beans. Rain moved in Thursday, and there were reports of 2 to 8 inches. The rain where we did not have flooding was good for the later beans; bad, if you will, for corn harvest," said Jeff Via, Fayette County extension agent.

"Lines are already forming, and trucks have to wait at drop-off locations. Corn yields that I have heard about have been good. When it dries up, farmers will be back at it, harvest-wise. Cotton defoliation may start by the end of next week."

"No rain and low humidity made for an excellent week of harvest. Corn harvest is in full swing, with about 30 percent of the crop harvested. Yields are phenomenal, with field averages of over 200 bushels to the acre being commonly reported and yields around the 250 mark not uncommon," reported Ed Burns, Franklin County agent.

"A few beans have been harvested with yields in the 60-bushel range; about 5 percent of the crop is defoliated; the bulk of the full season beans are dropping leaves; and double-crop beans are blooming and setting pods. Pastures continue to look good, and most producers are harvesting a third cutting of hay."

Topsoil moisture levels throughout the state were rated 1 percent very short, 14 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus, according to NASS.