Crop progression continues at a good rate in the Volunteer State, although a good, soaking rain would help as soil conditions begin to dry, according to NASS for the week ending May 17.

Even though rain would have been welcomed by most farmers, the week’s dry conditions didn’t hurt soil moisture levels. Topsoil levels were 3 percent very short, 26 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus, while subsoil levels were 1 percent very short, 19 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Lack of rain didn’t hurt corn farmers, who almost completed planting the entire crop. With 93 percent planted, they’re on pace with the 92 percent planted at this time last year but ahead of the crop’s five-year average of 86 percent.

Soybeans are coming along nicely, with 37 percent planted, compared to 22 percent last year, which is also the crop’s five-year average percentage. Cotton farmers have half their planting done. That’s almost 30 points more than the previous week’s 21 percent and above its five-year average of 36.

Farmers, who had 5.8 days of suitable conditions for fieldwork, continued hay cutting, the report stated. Pastures were rated in fair-to-good condition. Winter wheat didn’t suffer any ill effects during the week, with the majority of it in good-to-excellent condition.

“Dry weather has spurred a lot of hay harvest, but there are reports of significantly reduced yields. Dry, hard soils have slowed soybean no-till row crop work, but tilled fields are being planted with hope for some rain. Tobacco is being set but needs some moisture,” reported A. Ruth Correll, Wilson County extension agent.