Dry, windy conditions prevail

Most of the state experienced dry and windy conditions during the week ending April 16, and producers averaged 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17.

Spraying of Wheat and corn planting were the major activities. Topsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 42 percent short, and 49 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture was rated 21 percent very short, 44 percent short, and 35 percent adequate.

Seventy-four percent of the Wheat has jointed, compared to 67 percent last year and 47 percent for the five-year average. Six percent of the Wheat has headed, six points ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Wheat condition was rated 7 percent very poor, 16 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. Wheat freeze damage reports indicated 89 percent of the Wheat has not been damaged, 9 percent with light damage, and 2 percent with moderate damage.

Reports of wind damage indicated 78 percent of the Wheat has not been damaged, 14 percent with light damage, 6 percent with moderate damage, and 2 percent with severe damage. Insect reports indicated 69 percent with no infestation, 21 percent with light infestation, 9 percent with moderate infestation, and 1 percent with severe infestation. Disease reports indicated 83 percent of the Wheat showed no presence, 16 percent with light presence, and 1 percent with moderate presence.

Twenty-three percent of the corn has been planted, three points ahead of last year and 4 points ahead of the five-year average. Two percent of the sorghum has been planted, 1 point ahead of last year and 2 points ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the oats have been planted compared with 78 percent last year and 86 percent for the five-year average.

Range and pasture conditions were rated 11 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 28 percent good, and 1 percent excellent. Some areas in the southeast portion of the state reported seasonal burns being conducted. In some areas, producers held off moving cattle to pastures while they waited for them to green up. Feed grain supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 91 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Hay and forage supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 18 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Stock water supplies were rated 11 percent very short, 26 percent short, and 63 percent adequate.

Date: 4/20/06

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