Heavy Rains Slow Corn Progress, Soy Remains Ahead Of Pace

Missouri averaged over three inches of rain last week, slowing down crop progress around the state. USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report indicates that just four percent of the state’s corn has dented, behind the five-year average of 13 percent. 54 percent of corn has reached the doughing stage, four points off the average, while five percent of corn has not reached the tasseling stage. However, conditions remain strong with 74 percent in good to excellent shape and six percent poor or very poor. Soybeans are still ahead of pace, with 73 percent blooming and 37 percent setting pods. 72 percent of the crop is in good to excellent condition versus six percent poor or very poor.

Crops in the Bootheel remain behind pace. 28 percent of cotton has set bolls, half the average rate. 69 percent have squared, 25 points behind the five-year average. 48 percent are rated good to excellent, while 12 percent is poor or very poor. Just a third of rice has headed, 23 points behind average. Conditions dropped from a week ago, with 64 percent in good or excellent condition versus seven percent poor or very poor.

Pasture conditions rebounded in the past week with 60 percent rated good to excellent, compared to 11 percent poor or very poor. 42 percent of alfalfa fields have received a third cutting, while seven percent are still awaiting their second. 13 percent of Missouri farmers are believed to have a shortage of hay, compared to seven percent with a surplus. Despite the heavy rains, just two percent have surplus stock water, compared to seven percent with a shortage. 11 percent of topsoil and 13 percent of subsoil also lack adequate moisture, compared to surpluses in 11 percent of topsoil and five percent of subsoil.

Temperatures across Missouri averaged 76 degrees, about seven-tenths below normal, while three-and-a-half days were suitable for fieldwork.