Agricultural Summary

Although two storm systems swept across the state, there were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork. The southwest district had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork compared to the northeast district with 2.8 days. Topsoil moisture rated 2 percent very short, 5 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 17 percent excellent. The south-central was the driest with 22 percent very short and 17 percent short. The west-central and southeast districts rated 100 percent adequate to surplus. Spring tillage was 32 percent complete, 3 days ahead of 2010, but the same as the historic 5-year average.

Field Crops Report

Corn planting continued across the state, averaging 10 percent state-wide and 2 percent ahead of last year. The southwest district reported corn planting at 35 percent complete compared to 25 percent in 2010. Wet conditions hampered planting for the central and northern districts. Rice planting was 4 percent complete, 2 days behind 2010 and 3 days behind average. The winter wheat condition benefited from the warm wet weather conditions, measuring 3 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Cotton and sorghum planting has not begun.

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture condition improved to 1 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 44 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. The northwest, west-central, southwest, and southeast districts rated 50 percent or better in the good and excellent categories. Pasture conditions were poorest in the south-central district with 2 percent very poor, 30 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 21 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.

Weather Summary

Rain showers swept across the northern portion of the state accompanied by high winds and isolated hail. Rainfall averaged 0.72 inches with the north-central district receiving 1.14 inches, the south-central district 0.33 of an inch, and the central district receiving 0.53 of an inch. Although not record setting, temperatures were 8 to 11 degrees above average.