By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers experienced cooler and wetter conditions than usual during the week ending July 7th, 2024. Despite this, crop development remains well ahead of the five-year average in many categories.
Corn is a prime example. With 60% of the crop now silking, compared to the historical average of 30%, Missouri corn is progressing rapidly. Additionally, 9% of the corn has reached the dough stage, exceeding the usual 1% seen at this time. Overall corn health is also positive, with 61% rated good and 18% excellent.
Soybeans are keeping pace with corn. Emergence is nearly complete at 95%, surpassing the five-year average of 91%. Soybean blooming has also accelerated, reaching 30% compared to the historical average of 18%.
Even pod setting is ahead of schedule, with 7% of the crop in this stage versus the usual 2%. The overall health of Missouri soybeans reflects this progress, with 62% rated good and 13% excellent.
Cotton production shows similar promise. Squaring, a key stage in cotton development, is at 61%, exceeding the five-year average of 54%. While boll setting lags behind the historical average (5% compared to 9%), it's still early in the season for this stage.
Even rice and winter wheat crops are progressing well. Rice heading, the formation of seed heads, is at 3%, slightly behind the average of 5%, but this shouldn't be a cause for concern at this point. Winter wheat harvest for grain is nearly complete at 95%, significantly surpassing the historical average of 86%.
Missouri agricultural sector is off to a strong start in 2024. While the recent cooler and wetter weather may have impacted fieldwork opportunities, crop development remains impressive across the board.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans