By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers experienced cooler-than-average temperatures last week, with an average of 74.1 degrees, 4.5 degrees below normal. However, precipitation remained slightly above normal at 0.89 inches. This combination provided mostly favorable conditions for crop development.
Fieldwork benefited from 5.5 suitable days out of a possible seven. Here's a look at how key crops is progressing:
- Corn: Silking reached 87%, well ahead of the five-year average of 76%. Dough stage development is also advanced, sitting at 51% compared to the usual 24% for this time. Overall corn condition is good, with 78% rated good or excellent.
- Soybeans: Over half (57%) of soybeans are now blooming, exceeding the five-year average of 45%. Pod setting is also progressing well at 26%, surpassing the historical average of 16%. Soybean health reflects this progress, with 79% categorized as good or excellent.
- Cotton: Squaring reached 83%, slightly above the five-year average of 77%. However, boll setting lags the usual pace at 18% compared to the 28% average. Despite this, cotton condition remains positive with 61% rated good.
- Rice: Rice heading progressed to 23%, exceeding the historical average of 20%. The overall health of rice is good, with 74% rated good or excellent.
While the cooler temperatures may have slowed some crop development, particularly for cotton bolls, Missouri's crops are generally in good condition and progressing ahead of the five-year average in many areas.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans