According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 11, 2010. Most of the state had a warm, dry week resulting in a significant increase in corn emerged. Many growers took advantage of favorable weather conditions to catch up on fieldwork. Soil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

Comments From Extension Agents

“Winter wheat crops are sturdy, but haven't begun heading yet. Some early planted soybeans have recently emerged. Farmers are anticipating dry and warm weather to get the remaining crops in the ground.” — Charlie Bush, Bolivar

“Dry conditions will allow growers to get back in the field today or tomorrow to plant more corn, soybeans and rice. We might plant some cotton this week.” — Don Respess, Coahoma

“Producers had a couple of days to apply burndown herbicides to fields.” — Melvin Oatis, Benton

“We got a half inch of rain Wednesday night that stopped everything. We may be able to get back in late in the weekend or the first of the week to finish planting corn. Four good days and we would be finished on the corn.” — Stephen R. Winters, Grenada

“Field activities have increased due to the increase in dry weather.” — Patrick Poindexter Alcorn

“Growers in Central MS are finally getting a chance to make significant progress with fieldwork. Most of the corn will be planted within the next 7 to 10 days if good weather prevails. By that time, I expect that some growers will begin planting other crops as well.” — Ernest Flint, Attala

“A week without rain was a blessing for all of us. Pastures, gardens, hay fields, row crop fields, and lawns are getting to the point that some work can get done in them.” — Houston Therrell, Rankin

“Mississippi River was to have crested over the weekend. Several acres are under water along the river.” — Ann H. Davis, Wilkinson