Missouri Corn Begins To Mature

The first two percent of Missouri’s corn reached maturity in the past week, according to USDA’s Crop Progress report. That figure is in line with last year’s progress, but is behind the five-year average of seven percent. However, kernel hardening remains well behind pace, just 54 percent of the crop reaching the denting stage, down 10 points from the average pace. 93 percent of the crop is doughing, two points ahead of average. 63 percent of corn is in good to excellent condition, down four points from a week ago, while nine percent of the crop is rated poor or very poor. Soybeans are slightly behind normal pace, with 90 percent blooming and 70 percent setting pods. A year ago, 93 percent of the crop had bloomed, with 78 percent setting pods. Soy conditions also slipped last week, with 61 percent rated good to excellent versus seven percent poor or very poor.

In the Bootheel, 97 percent of rice has headed, seven points ahead of average and 13 points better than last year. 61 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, down seven points from last week, while four percent is considered poor. Cotton quality has improved in the past week, with 70 percent in good condition against six percent poor.

Pasture conditions also declined in the past week, with 62 percent now rated good to excellent compared to six percent poor or very poor. 70 percent of alfalfa fields have received their third cutting, down five percent from a year ago and the five-year average. Nine percent of Missouri farmers reportedly have a shortage of hay supply, compared to five percent with a surplus. Seven percent are lacking adequate stockwater, compared to three percent with a surplus. Despite above-average rainfall last week at 0.90″, 22 percent of Missouri topsoil and 15 percent of subsoil are running short on moisture. By comparison, just two percent of topsoil and three percent of subsoil have a surplus. Temperatures were slightly below normal at 76.2°F, and 5.7 days were suitable for fieldwork.