Some areas get rains, others still dry

Missouri

The major crop-producing districts experienced moderate temperatures and good rainfall totals during the week ending Aug. 20, whereas heat and dryness continued to plague central and southwestern areas, according to the Missouri Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Aug. 21.

The rain was accompanied by high winds in isolated northern areas that downed corn, while central and southern locations that missed the rain saw continued stress on soybeans and pastures. Topsoil moisture supplies rate 40 percent very short, 34 percent short, 25 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, nearly the same as last week. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork.

Nearly all the corn crop is through dough stage, while 81 percent is dented, which is 2 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of normal. Thirty-five percent is mature, 2 days ahead of last year and nearly 1 week ahead of the five-year average of 20 percent. Harvest is approaching for many producers, especially in southern areas where heat has caused ears to rapidly dry down. Statewide, 3 percent of the crop is reported as harvested. Corn condition is rated 7 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 7 percent excellent, nearly the same as last week and compared to 31 percent in good to excellent at this time last year.

Soybean pod set is at 84 percent, even with last year but 5 days ahead of the five-year average of 74 percent. Soybeans turning color is at 3 percent, while 1 percent is dropping leaves. Condition of the bean crop rates 8 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 30 percent good, and 4 percent excellent, a drop of 3 points in good to excellent from last week. This compares to 25 percent in good to excellent last year.

Sorghum heading has reached 96 percent, slightly ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of normal. Fifty-seven percent is turning color, 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of normal. Sorghum mature is at 9 percent, nearly 1 week ahead of both last year and normal. Sorghum condition is rated 1 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 41 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.

Ninety-five percent of the rice crop is headed, slightly ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of average. Rice condition is rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 32 percent excellent. Cotton setting bolls is nearly complete, on schedule with both last year and average. Cotton opening bolls is at 10 percent, a few days ahead of both last year and normal. Condition of the crop is 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. The third cutting of alfalfa is 87 percent harvested, nearly two weeks ahead of both last year and normal.

Pasture condition is rated 40 percent very poor, 33 percent poor, 19 percent fair, and 8 percent good. There is increasing concern about hay supplies for this winter, especially in central and southern counties, where there is little chance of a significant recovery in pastures to provide adequate feedstock.

Date: 8/24/06

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