Tobacco Harvest Advances in Hot, Dry Weather

Source from:  By JIMMY SETTLE The Leaf-Chronicle  08/27/2007

Dry, hot weather over the past couple of weeks allowed area farmers to make good progress with topping and harvesting tobacco, according to surveys from the Tennessee Agricultural Statistics Service. The annual tobacco harvest was progressing on schedule to a week ahead of last year, with the crop rated in mostly fair-to-good condition, state officials said. However, the state's other major row crops remained in mostly poor-to-fair condition, and in desperate need of a good downpour and cooler temperatures. Tennessee's corn crop continues to progress closer to harvest with almost half of the acreage having attained maturity. Over a tenth of the state's soybean crop is dropping leaves. Soybean development is about a week ahead of the five-year average, with numerous cases of heat and moisture stress reported. Pastures have continued to deteriorate, while livestock producers fed hay and hauled water. "The situation for most farmers has gone from bad to depressing," said Ronnie Barron, Extension agent in neighboring Cheatham County. "Some cattle producers are selling entire herds. Tobacco growers with irrigation capabilities are pumping water around the clock." Funding available for hay storage as deadline nears Despite drought conditions that have devastated pastures and hay production in Tennessee, demand by farmers is strong for cost-share assistance to build hay storage structures, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Since July 2, more than 1,140 Tennessee farmers have been approved for $3.7 million in hay storage facility cost-share assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Oct. 1 is the deadline for cattle and hay producers to apply for funding of 35 percent up to $3,500 toward the cost of building a new hay storage structure or an addition to an existing structure. According to state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens, the response from farmers is an indication the program is working, and that farmers understand the value of protecting their forage resources. "The response has been overwhelming, which really shows that, despite the disastrous growing season, Tennessee farmers are optimistic about the future and understand the importance of protecting their forage resources," Givens said. "The program is working to help farmers weather harsh conditions in the future, and funding is still available for anyone who wants to build now or in time for the spring hay crop," he said. According to University of Tennessee Extension forage experts, at least 30 percent of hay stored outside and unprotected can be lost in the first year, and it can continue to lose value as livestock feed over time. Higher production costs and limited hay availability this year makes protecting this resource even more important, Givens said. To be eligible for hay storage cost-share assistance, farmers must be Tennessee residents and operate a farm or agribusiness located in the state with at least 10 head of cattle or 50 acres of hay production. Applications must include a project budget with cost quotes. Producers with livestock also must register their premises with the National Animal Identification System. Livestock premises can be registered at most Farm Service Agency, UT Extension, Farm Bureau or Co-op locations, or online at www.ten-nessee.gov/agriculture/tpis. For more information about the TAEP Hay Storage Facility cost share program, call (615) 837-5323, e-mail Hay.Storage@state.tn.us or visit online at www.picktnproducts.org. Enditem