Reports of light frosts to hard freezes, which will assist with the drying of corn and soybeans, were reported across Tennessee last week. Farmers are reporting corn yields above average across much of the state. This time last year, Tennessee farmers were battling troublesome rain showers at harvest.

Corn yields continue to be reported as well-above average, filling elevators and resulting in some corn being bagged or sent to rented storage space, according to National Agricultural Statistics Service report posted to University of Tennessee Crop Blog.

“Corn harvest finished up (last week).  …  All farmers reporting best crop ever, with yields averaging plus or minus 200 bushels per acre. Soybean harvest is in full swing, foggy conditions and heavy dew has slowed progress, about 5 percent of the crop was lost to freezing temps at weeks end. Canola planting has been completed with 80 percent of the crop emerged. Wheat producers have about 20 percent of the crop planted, could use some moisture to improve germination,” reports Ed Burns, UT Extension agent in Franklin County, located on the Tennessee-Alabama line.

Late-planted cotton is not opened up yet in Loudon County, reports John Goddard, UT Extension agent in Loudon County, located in east Tennessee. “Some late beans may be in trouble. Corn almost finished, mostly 175 bushels per acre and up,” Goddard reports.

Corn harvest is just about finished in Haywood County in east Tennessee. “There was a fairly severe frost event on Oct. 25. It will have an impact on soybeans and cotton as harvesting of those crops get under way,” says Walter Battle, UT Extension agent in Haywood County.