Corn and cotton harvests lead in Kansas

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending October 20, 2024, Kansas had 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 34% very short, 44% short, 22% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were similar, with 31% very short, 45% short, 24% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report: 

Winter wheat planting progress stood at 78%, slightly behind last year’s 81% and near the five-year average of 79%. Emergence reached 48%, close to last year’s 52% and the 51% average.

Corn harvest was progressing well, with 83% completed, slightly ahead of last year’s 79% and well ahead of the five-year average of 75%.

The soybean harvest was at 70%, ahead of both last year’s 67% and the five-year average of 54%. Soybean leaves dropping reached 96%, the same as last year and near the 94% average.

Sorghum conditions were reported as 10% very poor, 14% poor, 38% fair, 34% good, and 4% excellent. The Sorghum harvest was at 53%, near last year’s 52% and ahead of the 46% average.

Cotton conditions rated 5% very poor, 16% poor, 36% fair, 39% good, and 4% excellent. Cotton balls opening reached 97%, slightly behind last year’s 99% but ahead of the 92% average. Cotton harvest stood at 40%, significantly ahead of last year’s 26% and the 16% average.

Sunflower harvest progress was slower at 48%, behind last year’s 67%, but near the five-year average of 44%.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions in Kansas were rated as 15% very poor, 29% poor, 40% fair, 15% good, and 1% excellent.