Agricultural Summary

The southeast district remained dry, and high winds damaged some crops.  The rest of the state was blanketed with spring showers and scattered frost, resulting in 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork statewide.  Topsoil moisture supply was 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus.  The central district was 42 percent surplus compared to 5 percent last week.  Ground worked spring tillage was 70 percent, 28 days ahead of last year, and 33 days ahead of normal. 

Field Crops Report

Due to the mild winter, corn was 39 percent planted, 18 days ahead of last year, and 16 days ahead of normal.  All districts were ahead of last year except the northwest district.   As a result, corn emergence was 11 percent, 13 days ahead of last year and normal.   Soybean planting began with planting reported in all districts except the central and east-central.  Cotton planted was 4 percent, 24 days ahead of last year, and only 8 days ahead of normal.  Rice planting was 71 percent, 41 days ahead of last year, and 31 days ahead of normal.  Likewise, at 28 percent rice emergence was 35 days ahead of last year, and 21 days ahead of normal. Sorghum planting was similar to last year and normal with planting reported in 5 districts.  Also spurred on by the mild winter wheat headed and beyond was 52 percent, 22 days ahead of last year, and 27 days ahead of normal.  Winter wheat condition was 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. 

Pasture & Livestock

Similar to last week, pasture condition was 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 12 percent excellent.  Producers prepared to cut grass hay. 

Weather Summary

Temperatures remained above average at normal to 4 degrees above normal, but were significantly lower than the unusually warm weather experienced previously.  Precipitation averaged 1.46 inches across the state with southeast district receiving no rainfall and the central district receiving 2.69 inches.  Rain was needed in the southeast to aid plant emergence.  Barton, Gasconade, and Osage counties received more than 4.00 inches of rainfall.