Spring planting well underway

Kansas

Most areas of the state experienced hot and dry conditions over the week ending May 21, and producers averaged 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork according to the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service, May 22.

Spring planting and alfalfa cutting were the major activities. Topsoil moisture was rated 15 percent very short, 28 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 21 percent very short, 28 percent short, and 51 percent adequate.

Ninety-six percent of the Wheat has headed, compared to 89 percent last year and 90 percent for the five-year average. Twelve percent of the Wheat has turned, one point behind last year but three points ahead of the five-year average. Wheat condition was rated 20 percent very poor, 24 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 21 percent good, and 1 percent excellent. Insect reports indicated 68 percent with no infestation, 23 percent with light infestation, 7 percent with moderate infestation, and 2 percent with severe infestation. Disease reports indicated 55 percent of the Wheat showed no presence, 26 percent with light presence, 12 percent with moderate presence, and 7 percent with severe presence. Wheat streak mosaic and barley yellow dwarf presence had been reported in most parts of the state, while powdery mildew and tan spot have been reported in the northern areas.

Ninety-seven percent of the corn has been planted, the same as last year but one point ahead of the five-year average. Seventy-six percent of the corn has emerged, compared to 74 percent last year but the same as the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 3 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.

Twenty-four percent of the sorghum has been planted, one point ahead of last year but three points behind the five-year average. Eight percent of the sorghum has emerged, one point ahead of last year but four points behind the five-year average.

Thirty-seven percent of the soybeans have been planted, compared to 49 percent last year and 44 percent for the five-year average. Seven percent of the soybeans have emerged, compared to 21 percent for both last year and the five-year average.

Fifteen percent of the sunflowers have been planted, three points behind last year but the same as the five-year average. Forty-six percent of the first cutting alfalfa has been harvested, compared to 57 percent last year and 49 percent for the five-year average. Twenty-three percent of the cotton has been planted, compared to 17 percent last year and 21 percent for the five-year average.

Range and pasture conditions were rated 8 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 32 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. Feed grain supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 92 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Hay and forage supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Stock water supplies were rated 9 percent very short, 20 percent short, and 71 percent adequate.

Date: 5/25/06

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