Row crops in, but weather still a factor

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Nov. 14.

That might have been more time than farmers needed as the row crop harvest is complete, AgFax.com reports.

Most areas across the state received rainfall toward the end of the week. However, more rain is needed in southern parts of the state to assist the winter forage crops. Soil moisture was rated 8 percent very short, 33 percent short, 51 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

“Fall tillage has been slowing down a bit with the presence of rain,” said Charlie Bush with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Bolivar County. “Winter wheat seems to be coming along fairly strong, despite the overly dry conditions prior to planting. Rains are beginning to pop up on a more consistent schedule.”

Jimbo Burkhalter in Tallahatchie County said, “Focus is on marketing now. Lots of equipment is being cleaned, serviced and put up for the winter. Some fall field work is continuing. Farmers are mostly planning for FY 2011. Wheat has all been planted since we finally got some moisture.”