By Blake Jackson
During the week ending August 18, 2024, there were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork. The statewide average temperature was 76.3 degrees, which is slightly above the normal average by 0.1 degrees. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.89 inches, exceeding the normal amount by 1.01 inches.
Topsoil moisture was generally adequate, with 81 percent rated as such, 13 percent short, and 6 percent in surplus. Subsoil moisture also showed a similar distribution: 81 percent adequate, 10 percent short, and 9 percent surplus.
Corn development progressed notably with 92 percent in the dough stage, surpassing the 5-year average of 85 percent. Corn denting was at 64 percent, well above the 5-year average of 44 percent.
The corn crop reached 7 percent maturity, a significant increase compared to the 5-year average of just 1 percent. The overall condition of corn was rated as 4 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.
For soybeans, 89 percent were blooming, slightly above the 5-year average of 88 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 74 percent, which is higher than the 5-year average of 67 percent.
Soybeans were beginning to drop leaves at 1 percent. Soybean condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.
In cotton, 80 percent were setting bolls, close to the 5-year average of 81 percent. Cotton bolls opening remained at 2 percent, matching the average. Cotton condition was rated at 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 32 percent fair, and 58 percent good.
Rice heading reached 90 percent, exceeding the 5-year average of 82 percent. Rice condition was rated at 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 72 percent good, and 1 percent excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wiyadaa
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans