First Crop Progress Report Of Season Boasts Strong Start For Missouri Wheat

The first USDA Crop Progress report of the year for Missouri is indicating a strong winter wheat crop in the works, at least the few blades that have emerged from winter dormancy.  Monday’s report shows three-fourths of the state’s wheat crop in good or excellent condition, 17 points better than the same time a year ago.  Three percent of the crop is in poor or very poor shape.  Less than one percent has emerged.  Just three days were suitable for fieldwork last week, as temperatures averaged seven-tenths of a degree below normal at 49.3°F.  Precipitation was six-tenths of an inch below normal at 0.44″.  Four percent of Missouri topsoil lacks adequate moisture, compared to 15 percent with a surplus.  13 percent of Missouri subsoil lacks adequate moisture, while nine percent has surplus moisture.