Agricultural Summary

Warm temperatures remained across the state complemented by scattered rainfall.  The state experienced 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork while the southeast district (Bootheel) enjoyed 6.5 days.  Topsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.  The Bootheel was 32 percent short and very short compared to 2 percent short and very short last week.  Ground worked spring tillage was 63 percent, 1 month ahead of last year, and 32 days ahead of normal (5-year average). 

Field Crops Report

Corn planted advanced 16 points to 23 percent, 8 days ahead of last year, and 12 days ahead of normal.  Rice planted advanced 38 points to 47 percent, 43 days ahead of last year, and 23 days ahead of normal.  Rice emerged was 5 percent, 23 days ahead of last year, and 2 weeks ahead of normal.  Sorghum planted was 1 percent, with planting reported in the northwest and northeast districts.  Winter wheat development was well ahead of schedule with wheat headed and beyond at 31 percent, 25 days ahead of last year, and 28 days ahead of normal.  Wheat condition was 2 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.  

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture condition was 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.  Many producers were pasturing livestock.

Weather Summary

Temperatures averaged 5 to 11 degrees above normal with the majority resting 6 to 8 degrees above normal.  Across the state weekly extreme highs reached the near 90’s with weekly extreme lows reaching near freezing.   Precipitation averaged 0.57 of an inch across the state with Nodaway, Audrain, and Ste. Genevieve counties receiving over 2 inches.