Adequate Moisture For More Than Half Of Missouri Soils

Even as drought and abnormal dryness covers close to 90 percent of Missouri, moisture in the state’s soils are increasingly adequate.  The weekly Crop Progress report from USDA indicates that 66 percent of topsoil and 50 percent of subsoil have enough moisture on hand, following above-normal precipitation last week averaging 1.25 inches.  Temperatures around Missouri were 1.2 degrees above normal, at an average of 41.7°F.  55 percent of Missouri farmers have adequate stock water supply, while 49 percent report sufficient hay supply heading into winter.

While moisture levels seem to be improving, the same can’t be said about Missouri pastures.  With colder temperatures settling in, only nine percent of fields are in good condition, down five points on the week.  Two-thirds of fields are rated poor or very poor, compared to just ten percent this time last year.  Winter wheat conditions saw an improvement, with 63 percent rated good to excellent, up five points.  Six percent are classed poor or very poor.  92 percent of the crop has emerged, seven points better than last year and 11 points ahead of average pace.

Tuesday’s report was delayed a day because of technical issues with USDA.  It was also the last weekly crop progress update for 2022, with monthly updates planned for the winter.