Agricultural Summary

The first weekly Crop Progress Report for the 2012 Crop year found little to no precipitation across the southern half of the state.  There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork statewide with the south-central and southeast districts both experiencing 6.8 days suitable.  The north-central and west-central districts had 2 and 2.7 days available.  Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture was 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.  Ground worked spring tillage was 50 percent, one month ahead of last year, and 25 days ahead of normal (5-yr average).

Field Crops Report

Corn planted 7 percent, 5 days ahead of last year, and 8 days ahead of normal.  Most progress has been made in the southeast with 36 percent planted, followed by 15 percent in the south-central district.  Rice planted was 9 percent, 19 days ahead of last year, and 2 weeks ahead of normal.  Wheat condition was 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Pasture & Livestock

Supply of hay and other roughages was 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus.  Stock water supplies were 5 percent short, 88 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.  Pasture condition was 5 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 13 percent adequate.  Early grass growth allowed some producers to start pasturing livestock and stop feeding hay.

Weather Summary

Temperatures were 15 to 22 degrees above normal.  Highs across the state reached the near 90’s with several areas reaching 90 degrees.  Average evening lows ranged from 51 to 58 degrees.  Precipitation averaged 0.37 of an inch with Daviess and Chariton counties receiving over 2 inches.