Crop harvest and moisture levels for October

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending October 6, 2024, farmers experienced 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report highlighted ongoing challenges with moisture levels. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 25% very short, 47% short, 28% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were also limited, rated 23% very short, 48% short, 29% adequate, and 0% surplus.

In the Field Crops Report, winter wheat planting was at 52%, nearly matching the previous year’s 51% and the five-year average of 50%. Winter wheat emergence was at 21%, close to both last year and the average of 24%.

Corn showed good progress, with 97% of the crop mature, close to last year’s 96% and ahead of the 91% average. Corn harvested was at 67%, ahead of last year’s 60% and significantly above the five-year average of 52%.

Soybean condition rated 6% very poor, 14% poor, 32% fair, 41% good, and 7% excellent. Soybean dropping leaves were at 85%, like last year’s 86% and ahead of the 77% average. The soybean harvest reached 30%, behind last year’s 35%, but ahead of the 22% average.

Sorghum condition rated 10% very poor, 15% poor, 36% fair, 34% good, and 5% excellent. Sorghum maturity was at 76%, ahead of last year’s 70% and the 67% average. The sorghum harvest was at 26%, equal to last year and ahead of the 20% average.

Cotton condition was rated 6% very poor, 20% poor, 32% fair, 37% good, and 5% excellent. Cotton bolls were opening at a rate of 84%, behind last year’s 92%, but ahead of the 76% average. The cotton harvest reached 10%, near last year’s 8% and ahead of the 5% average.

 Sunflower harvesting was at 32%, close to last year’s 33% but significantly ahead of the 15% average.

In the Pasture and Range Report, conditions rated 12% very poor, 25% poor, 43% fair, 19% good, and 1% excellent, reflecting the challenging weather and moisture conditions affecting the fields. These updates provide valuable insights for farmers navigating this week's field conditions.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-mvburling