Could Mean a Productive Yield Becoming Reduced
August, September and October are traditionally the driest months of the year for the Tennessee Valley, which is critical because it is “Harvest Time”. Unfortunately, this trend has not held true for this year. Normally, the three months (August, September, October) provide the Valley with 11.15″ of rainfall. This year has been unusually wet, with August receiving 5.44″, September receiving 5.96″ and October through the 24th receiving 6.35″, totaling 17.75″. This has provided the Valley with more than 6.5″ of rain compared to normal. In addition, there are a total of 92 days between the three months and through the 24th, 46 have seen some amount of rainfall. That is 50% of the available days being wet!
All of this rain has caused this year’s crop harvest to be very slow to completely hindered. The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service provides reports on the quality and progress of certain crops per each state. A look at the most recent data indicates the following:
Cotton
To date, only about 5% of the crop in Alabama has been harvested. Compared to last season at this same time, the crop was about 40% harvested. In addition, the cotton condition is becoming worse. At the start of the month, the combination of crop being good and excellent was about 60%. Currently, this number is at 40% and continuing to slip in the wrong direction. Early indications were for a very good cotton crop but due to the abundant rains the crop can not be brought in from the field. Some of the reason is simply the fact the field is too wet to allow for heavy harvest machinery into the field. Another is that the continuous rain has triggered plants to begin sprouting new growth. Also, some of the cotton crop is rotting on the plant and cotton is hardening inside the bolls. When the crop is then harvested the boll crumbles and the cotton falls to the ground making it unsalvageable.
Corn
Corn numbers are a bit better but also well behind last year. To date, only about 60% of the crop has been harvested in Tennessee. This time last year the number was nearing 100%. There is good news, though, the condition of the crop is remaining good with nearly 80% of the crop having either good or excellent condition.
Soybeans
Soybeans are also being affected. Over the last 5 years, nearly 60% of the crop would be harvested by now. However, only about 20% has been brought it so far. Like corn, though, the quality of the crop remains good with more than 80% being classified as good or excellent.
Unfortunately, more rain is on the WAAY this week with rain likely again on Tuesday and again late Thursday into Friday. This will likely continue to keep the fields wet and the harvest slow.
Dale Bader
Meteorologist/Storm Force 31
