One-Fourth of Missouri Corn Is Planted, But Crop Is Slow To Emerge

Corn planting across Missouri remains ahead of pace, but even with warmer soil temperatures, the crop is slow to emerge.  This week’s Crop Progress update from USDA has corn planting at 26 percent complete, three points ahead of last year and 16 points better than the five-year average.  However, despite temperatures six degrees above normal last week averaging 59.4°F, just one percent of the crop has emerged, compared to three percent this time a year ago.  0.49″ of rain fell on average across the state, 0.62″ below normal.

Soybean planting is on an even faster pace than a year ago, with eight percent planted compared to last year’s mark of four percent and the five-year average of one percent.  In the Bootheel, 35 percent of rice fields are planted, 13 points better than a year ago and 23 points ahead of average, while the first two percent of cotton fields have been sown.

Five percent of Missouri’s winter wheat crop has headed, three points better than a year ago and four points faster than normal.  Three out of four fields are rated good to excellent, a one-point decrease on the week, while two percent of fields are rated poor or very poor.  Despite continuing dryness, pasture conditions improved three points on the week to 51 percent good, while 15 percent of fields are considered poor or very poor.  34 percent of Missouri farmers are believed to be short or very short on hay supply, while 19 percent are short or very short on stock water supplies.  34 percent of Missouri topsoil and 48 percent of subsoil lack adequate moisture.  Just over six days were suitable for fieldwork last week.