Heavy Rains Slow Completion Of Corn Planting

Twice the normal amount of rain last week in much of Missouri slowed planting progress. USDA’s Crop Progress report indicates that corn planting as of Sunday was 92 percent complete, a two-point increase from a week ago. That’s still ahead of last year’s mark of 68 percent and the five-year average of 90 percent. 85 percent of the crop has emerged, with conditions holding steady at 66 percent good to excellent versus seven percent poor or very poor. Soybean planting is just under halfway complete, in line with the five-year average and well ahead of last year’s 16 percent. 52 percent of beans are in good to excellent condition, while eight percent are rated poor or very poor.

Rainfall was not as significant in the Bootheel, allowing farmers there to play catchup on cotton planting. Another 15 percent of the crop was planted last week, bringing progress to 45 percent. That’s still 25 points behind a year ago and well behind the five-year average of 87 percent. 36 percent of the crop is in good condition, compared to 20 percent in poor or very poor shape. Rice planting is now 83 percent complete, 10 points behind the five-year average but two points better than a year ago. 65 percent of the crop has emerged. 53 percent is considered good or excellent, up two points from a week ago and 12 points better than a year ago, while eight percent is poor or very poor.

Winter wheat is now 95 percent headed. However, last week’s rains have dampened quality, with 40 percent now in good or excellent condition and nine percent poor or very poor. A third of alfalfa has received its first cutting, while 17 percent of other hay has been cut. Pasture conditions are unchanged from a week ago at 64 percent good to excellent against three percent poor or very poor. Three percent of Missouri farmers reportedly have a shortage of hay supply, compared to seven percent with a surplus. Eight percent have a surplus of stock water.

An average of two-point-two days were suitable for fieldwork, as precipitation in the state averaged nearly two-point-one inches. Temperatures were two degrees above normal at 69-point-two degrees. One percent of topsoil remains short on moisture, while a surplus is present in 32 percent of topsoil and 23 percent of subsoil.