Agricultural Summary

Cool and very wet weather put a hold on almost all fieldwork around the state. Pasture and wheat growth has been delayed by the cool temperatures. Flooding problems from very heavy rains two weeks ago have been minor in most areas. A few wheat fields in central and east-central areas suffered slight damage from creek bottom flooding and sand and gravel deposits in small areas of the fields. However, Howell County in the south-central district reported major damage to roads and bridges, while the Bootheel has lost substantial wheat acres from river flooding. Topsoil moisture rates 53 percent adequate and 47 percent surplus. Spring tillage is 13 percent complete, compared with 34 percent as normal. There were 1.8 days suitable for fieldwork.

Field Crops Report

Corn planting progress was minimal. Franklin County reported a few planters on sandy fields, while the Bootheel reports only 1 percent planted compared with 45 percent last year. Wheat condition is rated 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. The worst condition is in the Bootheel, where 30 percent is rated poor to very poor. Mississippi and New Madrid County lost most of the wheat planted between the Mississippi River and their levees. Damage was also done by flooding from overflowed drainage ditches. While some areas have seen floodwaters recede, damage is still evident in the form of yellowing plants.

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture condition is rated 8 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 46 percent fair, 22 percent good, and 3 percent excellent. Several reporters commented on the need for warmer temperatures to stimulate pasture grasses. Farmers are eager to stop supplemental hay feeding and begin grazing, especially in the south-central district, where dryness cut hay supplies last year.

Weather Summary

Average temperatures were near normal in the south, while northern and central areas were mostly 2 to 4 degrees below average. Rainfall averaged 0.70 inches. Precipitation was light in the three northern districts and the west-central district, while the others ranged from 0.72 to 1.51 inches.