By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers took advantage of favorable conditions last week, logging 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 20, 2025. The latest report from the USDA shows steady progress in planting and crop emergence across the state.
Soil moisture levels were generally positive, with topsoil rated 66% adequate and 28% surplus, while only 1% was reported as very short and 5% short. Subsoil moisture reflected similar trends, with 79% adequate and 11% surplus, leaving just 2% very short and 8% short.
Corn planting advanced at a healthy pace, reaching 33% complete, outpacing the five-year average of 25%. Corn emergence also showed strong early growth, with 6% of the crop emerging, ahead of the 4% average.
Soybean planting was also ahead of schedule at 15% complete, more than doubling the 5-year average of 6%. Emerged soybeans reached 2%, slightly higher than the typical 1% for this time of year.
Cotton planting reached 2%, just above the 1% five-year average, while rice planting lagged at 18%, compared to the average of 29%. Rice emergence hit 7%, outpacing the usual 5%.
Winter wheat development progressed steadily, with 13% headed, beating the average of 8%. Wheat condition ratings were mostly favorable, with 59% of the crop rated good and 14% excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans