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Rain, snow keeps soil wetNebraska For the week ending April 13, precipitation in the form of rain and snow kept soils wet and producers out of the field, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office, April 14. Soil temperatures dropped an average of 5 degrees this week throughout the state staying too cool for germination of row crops. Producers received needed moisture for their small grains, pasture and alfalfa which should respond quickly with warmer temperatures. The cold, wet conditions challenged livestock producers making care of new born calves and feedlot cattle difficult. Other activities included preparing equipment for planting, hauling stored grain to the elevators and waiting to begin spring planting. Temperatures for the week continued cool, averaging 12 degrees below normal, with highs in the mid to upper 50s and lows in the 20s throughout the state. The entire state received some form of precipitation, with central areas receiving up to 12 inches of snow. Moisture accumulations of over an inch fell in the eastern part of the state. However, the Panhandle was limited to a quarter to an inch of moisture. Wheat conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 7 percent excellent, better than last week and last year. Wheat jointed was at 1 percent, behind 3 percent last year and 9 percent average. Oats planted increased to 38 percent, ahead of last year's 32 percent but behind average of 57 percent. Oats emerged was at 6 percent, the same as last year but behind 14 percent average. Alfalfa conditions rated 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 8 percent excellent, well above last year. Pasture and range conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 9 percent excellent, well above last year. Spring calving was 82 percent complete. Calf losses rated 9 percent below average, 89 percent average, and 2 percent above average. 4/21/08 Date: 4/16/08
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