Agricultural Summary

Flood waters began to disperse after last week’s massive flooding. Areas with good drainage and higher elevation returned to planting. Flooding continued along the St. Francis River and in New Madrid County. State-wide there were 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork. The southwest district had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork compared to 1.9 days in the south-central district. Topsoil moisture continued to be sufficient with 2 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 42 percent surplus. Spring tillage, at 73 percent, was similar to normal (5-year historic average) at 71 percent, but 12 days behind last year.

Field Crops Report

Corn planting jumped 20 points from last week to 79 percent, 10 days behind last year, but 5 days ahead of normal. The northwest was farthest along with 93 percent planted, followed by the west-central district at 89 percent, and the southwest at 86 percent. Corn emerged was at 50 percent, on track with the historic average, but 8 days behind last year. Replanting continued with reports that corn didn’t sprout. In many instances, however, previously saturated soils required replanting. Fervent hopes for soybean planting were upon the state with soybeans 21 percent planted, 6 days ahead of last year, and 2 days ahead of normal. The southeast district (Bootheel) hurried to take advantage of good topsoil moisture as floodwaters abated. Cotton planting jumped 37 points from last week to 39 percent. This was 22 days behind last year and 19 days behind normal. Rice planted was 29 percent, 30 days behind last year and 26 days behind normal. Rice emerged was 21 percent, 22 days behind last year, and 17 days behind normal. Rice condition was 42 percent poor, 43 percent fair, and 15 percent good. Sorghum planting was 10 percent, 10 points behind last year and 13 points behind normal. The winter wheat condition improved slightly to 6 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. Wheat in the Bootheel continued to decline with 15 percent very poor, 35 percent poor, 38 percent fair, and 12 percent excellent. Winter wheat heading was 75 percent, 6 days ahead of 2010, and 3 days ahead of normal.

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture conditions remained similar to last week with 3 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Pasture growth remained slow due to overcast conditions, and drier conditions are needed to move cattle into developing pastures.

Weather Summary

Precipitation averaged 1.02 inches state-wide with the central district leading the state at 1.49 inches. Temperatures were 2 to 4 degrees above average around the state except in the Bootheel where temperatures were only 1 to 2 degrees above average.