Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending April 12, 2015.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents
Don Respess, Quitman County
“Rice, corn, and soybeans were planted this past week. Lots of ground is now ready to plant when it dries.”
Skip Glidewell, Prentiss County
“Different week, same story… Little to no fieldwork possible due to extremely wet conditions. Still no corn planted. There was a narrow window for some spray and fertilize applications in well drained areas. However, forecast predicts rain for a majority of the coming week as farmers are put further behind.”
Jon Carson, Issaquena & Sharkey County
“A few more days of sunshine this week allowed for most producers to complete their corn planting with a few fields showing emergence. Winter wheat conditions look good to excellent with a most fields in the boot growth stage. A few soybeans have been planted. However, this will soon come to an end as heavy rains are expected this week.”
Randall Nevins, Monroe County
“Things are improving for farmers but fields are still wet and more rain today will just keep it that way for a few more days. Farmers that had corn planting on the menu will have to look at soybeans now. Cattle herds and pasture land are improving.”
Ross Overstreet, Lamar County
“A good start to the week but weather turned wet again by Friday. Some producers were able to get into the fields before the rain arrived. Crops that are in the ground are proceeding well but many are delayed. Producers are chomping at the bit to get crops in the ground.”
Lee Taylor, Forrest County
“A sizeable acreage of corn has been planted. Some earlier planted corn is in the three leaf stage. Very good stand. Ryegrass pastures growing well. Newly leased row cropland being prepared for planting cotton and peanuts.”
General Comments
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 12, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 41 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus.
Low temperatures ranged from 50.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Hickory Flat to 68.2 degrees Fahrenheit at Biloxi. Highs ranged from 73.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Ashland to 85.3 degrees Fahrenheit at Collins. Most of the state received some rain with the highest averaging 1.71 inches in the northeast part of the state.
