Dry Week For Missouri’s Harvesters

Few Missouri farmers experienced weather delays last week as just 0.02″ of rain fell on average across the state, while temperatures were over eight degrees above normal.  The weekly Crop Progress update from USDA indicates that with six-point-six days suitable for field work last week, Missouri’s corn harvest progressed to 94 percent complete, just ahead of a year ago and three points better than the five-year average.  Soybean harvest is now 91 percent complete, in line with a year ago and 11 points better than normal pace.  Meanwhile in the Bootheel, 93 percent of Missouri’s cotton is out of the ground, also in line with last year but 10 points ahead of average.

85 percent of the state’s projected winter wheat acreage is planted, seven points behind a year ago but four points ahead of the five-year average.  65 percent of the crop has emerged, five points behind last year but three points ahead of normal.  65 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, up slightly from a year ago, while five percent is considered poor.

40 percent of Missouri farmers are believed to have enough hay on hand, and 56 percent of farmers report having enough stock water supply.  47 percent of the state’s topsoil and 40 percent of subsoil have adequate moisture.

Missouri’s temperature last week averaged 53.6°F.