By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers benefited from mostly favorable conditions during the week ending April 21st, 2024. With 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, they made significant progress in planting key crops.
Warmer and Drier Than Usual:
- Temperatures averaged 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the normal by 3.7 degrees.
- Rainfall totaled 0.70 inches, falling short of the usual amount by 0.30 inches.
Planting Progress Surpasses Averages:
- Corn: Planting reached 47%, well ahead of the 5-year average of 21%. Emergence reached 12%, compared to the 3% average.
- Soybeans: Planting reached 16%, exceeding the 5-year average of 3%. Emergence is at 3%.
- Cotton: Planting began with 3% completion, surpassing the 1% average.
- Rice: Planting is significantly ahead of schedule, reaching 56% compared to the usual 25%. Emergence is at 14%, compared to the 5% average.
Winter Wheat and Pasture Conditions:
- Winter wheat heading reached 23%, exceeding the 5-year average of 5%. Overall conditions remain good, with 64% rated good and 13% excellent.
- The pasture condition is slightly better than the previous week, with 50% rated good.
Moisture Conditions:
While some dryness is evident, the majority of topsoil moisture is rated adequate (72%). Subsoil moisture shows a similar pattern with 54% adequate.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Government & Policy