CORN
Record cold temperatures in early April prevented farm operators from getting an early start planting corn, although by April 27, farmers had planted 37 percent of the crop, compared to 27 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 15 percent. Diligent work and long hours helped farmers plant 77percent of the crop by May 4, which is the earliest progress on record for that date. While prolonged cool weather during May did result in slow growth of the crop, farmers were able to virtually complete planting by May 25. During June the southern districts received a lot of rainfall forcing some farmers to replant flooded areas the last week in June. Dry weather conditions persisted in July, with conditions improving in mid August with welcomed rains. Due to the early plantings, the rains occurred after most of the corn crop had passed the critical silking stage. By September 14 less than one percent of the crop had been harvested. Near ideal fall conditions allowed 59 percent of the crop to be harvested by October 19, compared to 33 percent in 1996 and 42 percent for the five-year average. Temperatures dipped below normal in November, and almost the entire crop was harvested by November 23.
SOYBEANS Farmers in the Central, East, and West Southwest districts began planting soybeans toward the last week in April, anticipating warmer weather to improve soil temperatures. Planting progress was significant in early May, and by May 11, 35 percent of the crop had been planted. This compares to four percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 12 percent. Planting continued at a near record pace throughout the month and by May 25, 89 percent of the crop had been planted. Only the two southern most districts were below 85 percent planted due to excessive rainfall during the spring. Warm weather and adequate rainfall in June further helped the crop. Weather conditions in July and the first half of August, turned very dry, but only moderately hot. These conditions put the crop under some stress as pods were forming. By August 3, 40 percent of the crop had set pods, compared to 18 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 35 percent. A very good and generally wide spread rain in the middle of August, along with cooler weather during the last half of August and into September was beneficial to pod formation and filling. Harvesting of the crop began in the middle of September but didn't gain momentum until October. By October 12, 81 percent of the crop had been harvested compared to 32 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 61 percent.
WHEAT Mild conditions combined with snow and ice cover during the winter months helped protect the winter wheat crop from damage. Development of the crop slowed during May and June as temperatures were consistently below normal. On June 29, the crop was 50 percent ripe compared to 54 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 65 percent. The slower than normal progress of the crop delayed harvesting at first but farmers caught up quickly and ended slightly ahead of normal. By July 13, 85 percent of the crop had been harvested, compared to 80 percent for both 1996 and the five-year average.

OATS The oat crop got off to a rough start in early April as record cold temperatures hit statewide followed by heavy snow in the north. On April 13, 63 percent of the crop had already been planted, compared to 64 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 49 percent. Cooler temperatures in May slowed development of the crop, but by June 22 development had quickened and 65 percent of the crop was headed. This compares to 35 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 66 percent. Harvesting of the crop made average progress through July, and then made excellent progress during the first week of August as 97 percent of the crop was harvested by August 10. This compares to 72 percent in 1996 and 82 percent for the five-year average.

SORGHUM Planting of sorghum started a couple of weeks sooner than it did in 1996, and by May 25, 45 percent of the crop had been planted. This compares to five percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 22 percent. Planting progress was slowed over the next month, as farmers contended with muddy fields in the south. By late July, the crop had just begun turning color, and by August 31 this figure was up to 40 percent. This compares to 24 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 35 percent. Harvesting of the crop started in mid-September and made good progress during October. By November 2, 89 percent of the crop was harvested, compared to 46 percent in 1996 and the five-year average of 69 percent.

SUMMARY After early April record cold temperatures, the crop season started with near normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Dry soil conditions during mid-April and early May allowed corn planting to progress to record levels by May 4. The majority of the crops were planted by the last week of May into mid-June. Rains were sporadic and a shortage of moisture was reported statewide by July. Despite the uneven moisture, harvests were near average. Harvest progressed rapidly from late October into early November with most harvesting being completed by late November.

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