Sugarbeet planting jumps further ahead average

Warm spring weather prevailed across the state during the week ending April 16 with above normal temperatures and only scattered precipitation, according to the Wyoming Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17.

Temperatures ranged widely with high temperatures mostly in the low 60s to low 80s, and lows in the 20s to 30s. Precipitation was mostly below normal with just scattered areas, mostly in the southwest portion of the state, receiving normal amounts. Other areas received at most a trace. Topsoil moisture was rated adequate or surplus in 53 percent of the state, down 5 points from last week. Subsoil water supply was rated adequate or surplus in 41 percent of the state, compared with 40 percent adequate and none surplus last year. Stock water supplies were rated adequate or surplus in 80 percent of the state.

An average of 6.3 days were suitable for fieldwork during the past week. Winter Wheat crop condition again improved a little with 74 percent now rated good. Barley seeding picked up pace in the Southeast and was complete on 60 percent of the expected acreage, 7 points behind last year, and 2 points behind the five-year average. Almost one-fourth of the barley had emerged, 7 points ahead of average. Through April 16, 19 percent of the oats acreage was planted, a little behind average, while spring Wheat planting was complete on 16 percent of the expected acreage, also behind average. Sugarbeet planting moved rapidly for the second week and jumped to 51 percent complete, approximately one week ahead of average.

Ranges and pastures were greening up in most areas and conditions continued to be much better than the last few years. At week's end, 40 percent was rated good and zero excellent, compared with 12 percent good and 4 percent excellent last year. Livestock condition was rated good or excellent in 85 percent of the state. Calving moved at an average pace with 77 percent of the calves on the ground. Farm flock lambing and shearing were behind both last year and the five-year average. Farm flock lambing and shearing were 74 and 73 percent complete, compared with the average of 80 percent for each. Range flock lambing was 22 percent complete and shearing 34 percent complete. Calf and lamb losses were mostly normal.

Date: 4/19/06

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