Missouri Crop Progress Update, Or Lack Thereof

Continued damp conditions and cooler than normal temperatures are once again keeping most Missouri planters from planting this year’s crop.  This week’s USDA Crop Progress report has rice planting in the Bootheel stalled at one percent, when normally over a fifth of the crop would have been planted by now.  Winter wheat heading remains at one percent for a third straight week, when normally seven percent would have jointed.  The delays have not impacted crop quality, with 57 percent of wheat still in good to excellent shape versus four percent poor or very poor.  Corn planting is just four percent complete, nine points behind a year ago and eight points behind average pace.  The delays have also resulted in a lack of soybean or cotton planting as of Sunday.

Pastures are enjoying the increased rainfall, with 55 percent in good to excellent shape against three percent poor.  Only eight percent of Missouri farmers are believed to lack adequate hay supply, and one percent is still in need of additional stock water.  Over one-fourth of Missouri topsoil and 15 percent of subsoil are experiencing a surplus of moisture, compared to three percent of topsoil and eight percent of subsoil lacking adequate moisture.  Precipitation across Missouri averaged 1.66″, well above normal, while temperatures averaged 3.5 degrees below normal at 51.4°F.  An average of 2.3 days were suitable for fieldwork.