Cooler Start To August Keeps Crops Steady

Missouri’s row crops experienced temperatures nearly four-and-a-half degrees below normal in the past week, keeping crop conditions steady with the previous week. USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report indicates that one-fourth of the state’s corn has dented, while 72 percent of the crop is doughing. While that remains significantly better than last year’s levels, corn is slightly behind the five-year average. Three-fourths of the crop is rated good or excellent, while six percent is poor or very poor. Meanwhile, 83 percent of soybeans have bloomed, and 56 percent are setting pods. Both figures are ahead of last year and the five-year average. Conditions improved from the previous week, with 74 percent in good or excellent condition against six percent poor or very poor.

In the Bootheel, 77 percent of cotton is squaring, while 44 percent have set bolls. Just under half of the crop is in good condition, compared to 15 percent poor or very poor. 54 percent of rice has headed, 20 points behind the five-year average. 63 percent is rated good to excellent, versus seven percent poor.

Pasture conditions ebbed again in the past week, with 56 percent considered good or excellent, while 11 percent remained poor or very poor. 57 percent of alfalfa fields have received a third cutting, and four percent still await their second cutting. 12 percent of Missouri farmers reportedly lack enough hay supply, compared to nine percent with a shortage. Four percent of farmers have a surplus of water supply, while three percent are lacking.

Nearly five-and-a-quarter days were suitable for fieldwork. Temperatures averaged 71-point-six degrees, and precipitation was on average at 82-hundredths of an inch. Ten percent of topsoil and 11 percent of subsoil lack adequate moisture, compared to ten percent of topsoil and five percent of subsoil with a surplus.