According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 4, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 42 percent very short, 38 percent short, 18 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 36 percent very short, 40 percent short, 21 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.
Low temperatures ranged from 58.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Pontotoc to 65.8 degrees Fahrenheit at Philadelphia. Highs ranged from 70.4 degrees Fahrenheit at Booneville and Fulton to 81.8 degrees Fahrenheit at Belzoni. Most of the state received some rain with the southeast part of the state receiving the most at an average of 1.23 inches.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents
Don Respess, Coahoma & Quitman Counties: “Another good week of harvest and fall tillage work. Cotton harvest is going strong and the cotton gin lots are filling up. Yields appear to be good. Soybeans range from harvesting to still watering.”
Terry “Skip” Glidewell, Prentiss County: “Extremely dry conditions continue, despite some moisture during early and mid-week. Corn and soybean harvest continue to take advantage of dry field conditions. Some cool season forages planted, despite a lack of moisture.”
Jon Carson, Issaquena & Sharkey Counties: “Producers are preparing the fields for fall and the cotton harvest is nearly complete with yields being reported as average.”
Randall “Randy” McKey III, Amite County: “The past week was another dry one. The last significant rainfall we have had was back in late July and early August. We are in need of a significant amount of rain. Soybeans across the county are being harvested throughout the upcoming week.”
Lamar Adams, Pike County: “Lack of rainfall continues to fuel extremely dry soil conditions that are negatively impacting plant and animal performance. Shortages of late summer pasture grass is limiting hay yields and are forcing beef and dairy producers to feed hay earlier than usual. Planting cool season forages will be delayed until we get some much needed rain.”
