Even Amid Dry Conditions, Final Bushels Of The Season Are Still In The Field

Even with another dry week across Missouri, and above temperatures, a handful of fields are still awaiting the combine.  USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report indicates that three percent of Missouri’s corn fields have yet to be harvested as of Sunday, as well as four percent of soybean fields.  Both of those figures are one point better than a year ago and still ahead of the five-year average.  Two percent of the Bootheel’s cotton crop is still in the field, half the total from last year and six points ahead of average.

Winter wheat planting is 95 percent complete, one point behind last year but six points ahead of normal.  81 percent of the crop has emerged, in line with a year ago but seven points better than average.  The lack of rain led to a decrease in wheat quality, with 61 percent of the crop in good to excellent shape, down four points on the week.  Six percent of the crop is rated poor or very poor.

Just a third of Missouri farmers are believed to have adequate hay supply, while half appear to have enough stock water.  36 percent of the state’s topsoil and 31 percent of subsoil is adequate on moisture.  Average rainfall was just 0.02″ for the second consecutive week, while average temperature was over five degrees above normal at 50°F.  6.8 days were suitable for fieldwork.