Nearly 60 Percent Of Missouri’s Soils Are Dry

Missouri’s soils are continuing to dry, just as soybeans are in the critical stage of filling their pods.  The weekly USDA Crop Progress report indicates that just 42 percent of topsoil and 44 percent of subsoil have adequate moisture, a decrease compared to last week.  However, recent rainfalls in parts of the state have resulted in just 25 percent of farmers reporting a shortage of stockwater, compared to four percent with a surplus.  39 percent of Missouri farmers are believed to already be running short on hay supply.

Prolonged drought conditions and warmer temperatures have continued to weigh on crop progress and conditions.  Corn quality is down five points from a week ago, with 46 percent good to excellent against 28 percent poor or very poor.  81 percent of the crop is doughing and just over a third has reached the denting stage.  Soybeans are down three points on the week, also with 46 percent rated good to excellent while 22 percent is listed in poor or very poor shape.  84 percent of beans are blooming, while 58 percent are setting pods.

Conditions in the Bootheel showed improvement, with 48 percent of cotton rated good compared to 19 percent poor or very poor.  Rice also received a boost this week with 43 percent rated good to excellent against ten percent poor or very poor.  94 percent of cotton is squaring and 82 percent have set bolls.  71 percent of rice has headed.

Just over half of Missouri alfalfa has received its third cutting.  22 percent of pastures are in good or excellent shape, while 45 percent are rated poor or very poor.