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Dry 2023 impacting 2024 in Tennessee

A dry end to 2023 is affecting crops and livestock in Tennessee to start 2024.

The USDA says more than half of the state has adequate to surplus soil moisture, below a year ago, but with improvements in some areas.

That dry weather did impede development for later planted pastures and winter wheat.

52% of winter wheat is in good to excellent condition, compared to 78% a year ago, while just 16% of pastures are rated good to excellent, compared to 43% this time last year.

Those pasture conditions and lower water levels are impacting livestock, with 66% of cattle in good to excellent shape, compared to 71% early in 2023.

61% of Tennessee has adequate to surplus roughage, also down on the year.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition reports resume in April.