By Scout Nelson
For the week ending July 14, 2024, Kansas farmers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated as 8 percent very short, 24 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated as 6 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat harvesting was nearly complete, with 97 percent harvested, significantly ahead of 68 percent last year and surpassing the five-year average of 86 percent. Corn conditions varied, with 3 percent rated very poor, 8 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.
Corn silking was at 59 percent, ahead of both last year’s 50 percent and the five-year average of 45 percent. Corn in the dough stage reached 16 percent, compared to 10 percent last year and 9 percent average.
Soybean conditions were favorable, with 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming were at 39 percent, close to 42 percent last year and 35 percent average. Soybeans setting pods were at 8 percent, slightly behind 14 percent last year but near the 7 percent average.
Sorghum conditions showed some variability, with 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Sorghum heading was at 13 percent, close to 11 percent last year and 9 percent average. Sorghum coloring was at 3 percent, equal to last year and near the 1 percent average.
Cotton conditions were generally positive, with 0 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Cotton squaring reached 73 percent, ahead of last year’s 68 percent and the average of 64 percent. Cotton setting bolls was at 37 percent, well ahead of 10 percent last year and the 8 percent average.
Sunflowers planted were at 96 percent, near last year’s 92 percent and the average of 94 percent.
Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions were reported as 4 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.
Overall, Kansas farmers are benefiting from the adequate moisture levels and suitable fieldwork days, enabling significant progress in crop conditions and harvesting activities.
The state’s agricultural sector shows resilience and efficiency in managing crops and maintaining favorable conditions despite varying moisture supplies and weather challenges.
The positive outlook for Kansas agriculture continues as farmers diligently work to ensure successful crop production and harvesting throughout the season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Kansas, Crops