WHEAT PLANTING ACCELERATES DURING COLD, DRY WEEK

Average temperatures below freezing and limited precipitation allowed wheat planting to jump ahead of last year’s marks. The weekly USDA Crop Progress report indicates that 87% of Missouri’s winter wheat is planted, ahead of last year’s 81% and just behind the five-year average. 68% has emerged, five points better than a year ago but two points behind the average. Conditions have weakened, with 42% in good to excellent condition while 9% is poor or very poor. Corn harvest remains ten points behind a year ago at 85%, while soybean harvest is 83% complete, seven points better than last year. In the Bootheel, cotton harvest is also ten points behind last year at 86%. An average of five-point-two days were suitable for fieldwork.

The chill also weakened pasture conditions with 67% in good to excellent condition against 7% poor, a net decrease of seven points. 14% of Missouri farmers continue to lack adequate hay supply, compared to 5% with a surplus. Only 2% of Missouri farmers lack adequate stock water, compared to 4% with a surplus. 3% of Missouri soils lack adequate moisture, compared to a surplus noted in a tenth of the state’s topsoil and 7% of subsoil.