Spring planting preparations underway

Kansas

Showers were generally light and scattered during the week ending March 18 with areas in central parts of the state receiving higher amounts, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Kansas Field Office, March 19.

Temperatures remained average to above average. Producers averaged 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Planting oats, topdressing wheat, and ground preparations for spring planting were the major activities. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 22 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

wheatcondition was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Ten percent of the wheat is jointed, compared to 4 percent last year and 7 percent for the five-year average. Three percent has been pastured. wheat freeze damage reports indicate 82 percent of the wheat has not been damaged, 16 percent received light damage, and 2 percent received moderate damage. Reports of wind damage indicate 88 percent of the wheat has no wind damage, 11 percent received light damage, and 1 percent received moderate damage. Insect infestation reports indicate 92 percent of the wheat showed no infestation, 7 percent showed light infestation, and 1 percent showed moderate infestation. Disease infestation reports estimate 88 percent with no presence and 12 percent with light presence. Thirty-one percent of oats have been planted compared to 50 percent last year and 44 percent for the five-year average.

Range and pasture conditions were rated 7 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 27 percent good, and 2 percent excellent. Feed grain supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 18 percent short, and 78 percent adequate. Hay and forage supplies were rated 23 percent very short, 40 percent short, 36 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Stock water supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 23 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Some reporters indicated calving was still progressing nicely and winding down in some areas.

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3/26/07

1 Star WK

Date: 3/22/07

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