Wyoming

During the week ending July 17, below normal precipitation continued across the state, lowering soil moisture levels, according to the Wyoming Agricultural Statistics Service, July 18.

As of July 17, 43 percent of the state had adequate topsoil moisture, down 12 points from last week and down 42 points from the high of 85 percent on June 12. Supplies were still well above the five-year average of 25 percent. Irrigation water supplies were rated adequate or surplus in 81 percent of the state, much better than last year's 42 percent and the average of 44 percent.

An average of 6.9 days were suitable for field work during the past week, as dry conditions prevailed. The condition of crops showed little change staying mostly good, except spring Wheat which was mostly fair. Barley was 81 percent headed, a little behind last year and the average. Barley had turned color in 51 percent of the state, 7 points ahead the five-year average. Six percent of the barley had matured, behind the average by 4 points. Sixty-eight percent of the oats had headed, just ahead of last year and the five-year average. Twenty-six percent of the oats had turned, 8 points ahead of the average. Forty-five percent of the spring Wheat had turned color, the same as last year but ahead of the average by 16 points. Nine percent of the spring Wheat had matured, near average.

Winter Wheat harvest began in the Southeast. Sixteen percent of the winter Wheat crop was harvested, just behind last year and 15 points behind the average. Seventy-three percent of the crop was mature, 11 points ahead of the average. Winter Wheat condition showed little change with two-thirds rated good.

Sugarbeet condition was virtually unchanged at 5 percent excellent, 82 percent good, and 13 percent fair. Corn condition became more varied and was 6 percent excellent, 81 percent good, and 13 percent fair. The warm weather pushed corn and dry bean growth. The average height of corn was 39 inches, just 1 inch behind the average. Dry beans were 52 percent bloomed, ahead of the average by 21 points. Nineteen percent of the dry beans had set pods, 11 points ahead of the average.

Eighty-eight percent of the first cutting of alfalfa was complete, near the five-year average. Second cutting began in some areas. Thirty-eight percent of all other hay had been harvested, also near the average. Hay yields were promising in parts of the State.

Livestock condition was rated 89 percent good to excellent, with 11 percent fair. Range and pasture conditions continued to slip in the heat but were still at 64 percent good or excellent, well ahead of the five-year average.

Date: 7/19/05