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Warm temps needed to improve pasturesMissouri Field work and spring plantings were delayed due to heavy rains that fell across the state during the week ending April 6, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, April 7. Some wheat and pasture fields were flooded in the west-central and southeast districts. Warmer temperatures and sunshine are needed to improve pasture conditions. Dunklin County in the Bootheel reported severe storms and high winds that damaged some buildings and irrigation systems. Farmers are anxious to get back in the fields. Topsoil moisture rates 1 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 42 percent surplus. The subsoil moisture supply is rated 1 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus. Spring tillage is 14 percent complete, compared with 44 percent as normal. There were 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Very minimal corn acreage has been planted, with only 1 percent of the crop in the ground with normal being 15 percent. Some areas in the west-central district may have to replant corn due to flooding. Wheat condition is rated 4 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 6 percent excellent, moderately better than last year's crop, rated 46 percent good to excellent at this time. Some wheat fields were flooded in the west-central and east-central districts. Growers in Bates County, the west-central district, are concerned about the condition of the wheat crop due to standing water and the winter freeze. Pasture condition is rated 7 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 41 percent fair, 28 percent good, and 3 percent excellent compared to last year's rating of 4 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 47 percent fair, 26 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Poor pasture conditions can be attributed to the cool wet weather. Hay supply is rated 11 percent very short, 33 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. The worst shortages are in the northwest and south-central districts. Stock water supplies are rated 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Several reporters continued to comment on the need for warmer temperatures to stimulate pasture grasses. 4/14/08 Date: 4/10/08
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