It?s Farmer?s Market time again

One sure sign of spring is activity around the Farmer?s Market Shed in downtown McMinnville.

The market starts the 2007 season this Saturday morning. There will be an abundance of bedding plants, ornamental plants and even some spring greens and onions available Saturday as many of the vendors have been working for a few months getting early crops in the ground. The Farmer?s Market association has about ninety vendors who participate in our market during the year. These local folks work hard to provide the residents of Warren County with fresh produce and beautiful ornamental plants. Come out Saturday and visit with them. The market opens at 6 a.m. and there are usually some vendors still selling their produce at noon.

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CORN CROP TO BE BIGGEST SINCE WWII

Tennessee farmers plan to increase corn acreage during 2007 to its highest level in over 20 years.

This predicted surge, coupled with a sharp decline in cotton acreage in the State, is based on a March 1 survey of farmers conducted by the Tennessee Field Office of USDA?s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The 42 percent increase in corn acreage is a result of a favorable price outlook, especially compared to cotton prices which have remained relatively stagnant. The primary factors holding back an even higher jump in corn acreage is the concern over possible tight seed supplies and high input costs, such as fertilizer and fuel. Other survey results show less hay to be harvested and a moderate decline in soybean acreage. Burley tobacco is expected to continue its downward trend, while more interest has been expressed for the dark tobacco types. Wheat seedings, originally published in January, have also been updated and are now projected to total 400,000 acres.

The March 1 survey showed the following results: corn acreage, up 42 percent from last year to 780,000 acres, the highest level since 1986; soybeans are expected to be down 8 percent to 1,070,000 acres and, if realized, the lowest acreage devoted to this crop since 2001; cotton intentions, at 560,000 acres, show a 20 percent decline from last year?s planted acreage of 700,000; winter wheat seedings last fall are estimated at 400,000 acres, up 20,000 up from the Winter Wheat Seedings report and 120,000 acres more than the year earlier; and hay acreage for harvest is intended at 1.78 million acres.

State Director, Debra Kenerson, was quick to note that, ?The survey results only show what producers intend to plant as of March 1. Changes in commodity prices and weather conditions can be major factors in determining what farmers ultimately choose to produce during the 2007 crop season.?

U.S. SUMMARY: Corn growers intend to plant 90.5 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2007, up 15 percent from 2006 and 11 percent higher than 2005. If realized this would be the highest acreage since 1944, when 95.5 million acres were planted for all purposes. Expected acreage is up in nearly all States as high corn prices are encouraging farmers to plant more acres to corn.

Soybean producers intend to plant 67.1 million acres in 2007, down 11 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest planted area since 1996. Acreage decreases are expected in all growing areas, except in New York and the Southeast. Large decreases in soybean acreage are expected across the Corn Belt, with the largest decline expected in Illinois, down 1.40 million acres from 2006.

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GARDEN TIPS

Weed and feed products for broadleaf weed control, like dandelions, are only effective when taken in through their leaves. So don’t use these products before the weeds are actively growing which isn?t till late April or early May. Granular formulation to be effective must be applied when the leaves are wet from dew, rain or sprinkler system.

Products used for crabgrass contain a pre-emergence type herbicide. The chemical affects the seed as it germinates. These must be applied to the lawn and watered in before germination of crabgrass. For our area the best time to apply crab grass preventer is early Apri- through the first of May. Applying the crabgrass preventer before will reduce control in early summer since the herbicide only has a 6 week residual.

If you grow strawberries or roses it is a good idea to leave the mulch on the plants for a while. Mulch helps keep the soil cooler, delaying the plant growth and reducing the chances that the new buds will be damaged by spring frosts.

Check the plants to see if new leaves/shoots have emerged. Even though they have emerged keep the mulch on until you see some yellowing of the strawberry leaves and the new shoots of the roses turning white. Keep the mulch handy in case you need to cover the plants when a late spring frost is expected.