Missouri

Widespread rains around mid-week slowed the corn harvest but progress remains ahead of normal, at 44 percent complete during the week ending Sept. 18, According to the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 19.

Topsoil moisture ratings improved to 13 percent very short, 28 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus, with more rainfall still needed to replenish soil moisture reserves and fill stock ponds. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.4 days.

Eighty-seven percent of the corn has reached maturity, 3 days ahead of last year and slightly ahead of the 86 percent average. Condition ratings for the crop are reported as 22 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 26 percent good and 5 percent excellent, virtually unchanged from a week earlier. The corn harvest advanced to 44 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the five-year average of 39 percent for this date. Harvesting is least advanced in the northwestern counties but progress is proceeding rapidly in most areas.

Soybean development advanced to 72 percent turning color, 38 percent dropping leaves and 10 percent mature. The proportions turning color and dropping leaves are slightly ahead of average but the amount mature has been held 2 days behind the 13 percent normal due to high moisture. Soybean condition is rated as 13 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 25 percent good and 5 percent excellent, also nearly unchanged from a week ago.

Soybean development advanced to 72 percent turning color, 38 percent dropping leaves and 10 percent mature. The proportions turning color and dropping leaves are slightly ahead of average but the amount mature has been held 2 days behind the 13 percent normal due to high moisture. Soybean condition is rated as 13 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 25 percent good and 5 percent excellent, also nearly unchanged from a week ago.

Ninety-three percent of the sorghum is turning color or beyond and 69 percent is mature, about 5 days ahead of average maturity. Condition of the crop is rated as 11 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 47 percent fair, 19 percent good and 2 percent excellent. Twenty-five percent of the sorghum has been harvested, a few days ahead of last year but equal to the five-year average.

Pasture condition ratings averaged 22 percent very poor, 30 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 14 percent good and 1 percent excellent, a significant improvement from a week earlier but still below the demands of normal grazing in many areas. Stock water supplies are rated at 20 percent very short, 27 percent short, 52 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus, a moderate improvement from a week ago but also below the desired water levels for stock ponds in many areas.