Tennessee farmers were glad to see rain give their crops a boost near the end of the week of Aug. 9. Crops across the state have developed well, despite earlier dry conditions; however, the rain delayed hay harvest, according to NASS’ weekly report.

"Not much has changed on the agricultural front. Recent rains were very beneficial for upland cotton, corn and soybeans to aid crops in reaching maturity. Some producers are planting soybeans in bottom areas that were previously flooded. Beef cattle and pastures are in excellent condition," said extension agent J.C. Dupree of Lauderdale County.

"Crops and pastures continue to progress very well as, once again, the county received 2 inches of rain," reported Haywood County agent Walter Battle.

"Crops are looking pretty good. The showers Wednesday and Thursday were much-needed to help finish some crops out and help some late wheat beans start setting pods," stated Jake Mallard of Madison County.

There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork the week before last. During those days, some farmers continued to deal with insects and disease affecting their crops and animals.

"Some Bermuda grass stem maggot damage reported. Cattle producers continue to report pinkeye issues that are difficult to resolve," reported A. Ruth Correll of Wilson County.

"Some corn acreage has received fungicide applications due to southern rust," added Jeff Lannom, Weakley County agent.

"Finding more and more sugarcane aphids in spots in more grain sorghum fields, but at this point most sightings are a ‘watch and see’ situation. One field reached threshold level of infestation and was treated this past week. Producers are encouraged to keep an eye on this pest on a field-by-field basis," Tim Campbell, Dyer County agent, said.

Topsoil moisture in the Volunteer State was 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 1 percent very short, 22 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus, according to NASS.