According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 11, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 46 percent very short, 35 percent short, 18 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies were 44 percent very short, 38 percent short, 17 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 54.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Hickory Flat to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit at Biloxi. Highs ranged from 77.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Fulton to 85.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Rolling Fork. Most of the state received some rain with the northeast part of the state receiving the most at an average of 1.38 inches.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents
Don Respess, Coahoma & Quitman Counties: “Cotton and peanut harvest is in full swing. Yields are good. We only have some late planted soybeans to harvest. We are getting lots of ground ready for next year.”
Tracy Robertson, Carroll County: “The recent rain has settled the dust. Pastures are still dry and the last cuttings of hay have produced brittle, long stem hay. There are still fields of cotton ready for defoliation and needed rain has helped open up the remaining bolls.”
James “Randall” Nevins, Monroe County: “The peanuts, cotton and soybeans are coming out of the field now and the yields are looking good. We had a little rain this past Friday which delayed some harvest, but the farmers are back on it now. With a good week ahead of us the farmers should get most of the crops out of the fields this week. Livestock are still looking good and the pastures with the moisture are getting some fall/winter ryegrass emerging.”
Lamar Adams, Pike County: “Very dry weather and pasture conditions are severely hindering animal performance. Extreme shortage of soil moisture continues to delay seeding of cool season forages. Beef and dairy producers are being forced to feed hay earlier than normal to offset lack of suitable quantities of warm season forages and late planting of cool season forages.”
Lee Taylor, Forrest County: “Very dry conditions persist. Need a good general, slow rain for two or three days. Generally the peanut crop looks good. Some fields or varieties yielding less than expected. Winter grazing off to a slow start due to dry conditions.”
