Agricultural Summary

Several storm systems swept across the state with thunder, lightening, and hail in tow.  The wheat harvest picked up, and producers worked to cut hay.  The east-central and northern districts received most of the precipitation, but statewide there were still 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork.  The north-central district was limited to 2.7 days and the northeast 2.8 days.  Topsoil moisture supply remained similar to last week with 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. 

Field Crops Report

Corn silked and beyond was 2 percent with the southeast district at 11 percent.  This was 11 days behind last year and 10 days behind the 5-year historic average (normal).  Corn condition was 3 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.  Soybeans moved 5 points from last week to 93 percent planted 4 days ahead of last year, and 6 days ahead of normal.  Replanting continued and soybean emergence at 87 percent was also 1 week ahead of last year, and 8 days ahead of normal.  Soybean condition was 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 12 percent excellent.  Cotton squaring and beyond was 35 percent, 10 days behind last year, and 4 days behind normal.  Setting bolls had not begun yet, but this was only 6 days behind last year, although it was 2 weeks behind normal.  Cotton condition improved from last week to 6 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 2 percent excellent.  Rice condition was 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.  Sorghum planting progressed 9 points to 92 percent planted, 1 day ahead of last year, and 3 days ahead of normal.  Sorghum heading was reported in the west-central district but was not prevalent throughout the state.  Sorghum condition was 31 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 3 percent excellent.  Despite the rain, the winter wheat harvest progressed 38 points to 63 percent complete, 1 day ahead of 2010, and 3 days ahead of normal.  Wheat condition remained similar to last week with 9 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.  Alfalfa hay 1st cutting was 91 percent, 6 days ahead of last year, and 3 days ahead of normal.  Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting was 30 percent, similar to last year, but 3 days ahead of normal.  Other hay cut was 66 percent, similar to last year and normal. 

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture condition only moved 1 point from last week to 4 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. 

Weather Summary

Precipitation averaged 0.85 of an inch statewide.  Flooding increased along the upper Missouri in Atchison and Holt counties as upriver the Gavins Point Dam released more water into the Missouri River.  Levee systems in the northern half of the state were tested as river levels rose and water speed increased.  Flooding along the Upper Mississippi River dissipated somewhat with only minor flooding occurring in localized areas.  Irrigation picked up in the southeast district.  The southern districts averaged normal to 3 degrees above average, but temperatures for the rest of the state averaged 1 to 4 degrees below average.