Despite Wet Conditions, Missouri Harvest Continues Ahead Of Pace

While a statewide average of over 2.1″ of rain fell across Missouri last week, harvest progress remained ahead of last year’s pace according to this week’s USDA Crop Progress Report.  Corn harvest is at 86 percent complete, seven points ahead of a year ago and four points ahead of average.  Soybean harvest is now 59 percent complete, in line with a year ago but two points behind average.  96 percent of the crop has dropped leaves.  63 percent of winter wheat has been planted, five points better than a year ago, and 45 percent has emerged.  62 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, versus three percent poor.

Cotton harvest in the Bootheel is 59 percent complete, 10 points off the average but 27 points better than last year.  90 percent of Missouri rice has been harvested, five points behind average.

47 percent of pastures are considered good or excellent, compared to 11 percent poor or very poor.  Nine percent of Missouri farmers reportedly have a shortage of hay supply, compared to four percent with a surplus.  Last week’s rainy conditions resulted in just 2.2 days suitable for field work, but helped replenish moisture.  Seven percent of farms reportedly lack adequate stock water, compared to one percent with a surplus.  14 percent of topsoil has surplus moisture, versus six percent with a shortage.  Most of the excess has yet to arrive in the subsoil, where 12 percent remain short, compared to five percent with a surplus.