By Scout Nelson
For the week ending on June 2, 2024, Kansas farmers experienced 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to data from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Moisture levels showed some diversity with topsoil moisture at 10% very short, 18% short, 57% adequate, and 15% surplus.
Subsoil moisture was slightly more strained with 14% very short, 27% short, 54% adequate, and 5% surplus.
The winter wheat showed significant advancement with 97% headed, outpacing last year’s 90% and the five-year average of 95%. The wheat's coloring reached 70%, substantially higher than the previous year's 29% and the average of 30%, with 25% matured, significantly above the 1% from last year.
Corn showed healthy growth, with planting at 92%, closely aligned with last year's 88% and slightly ahead of the 87% average. Corn emergence stood at 79%, better than both last year's 72% and the average of 70%.
Soybean planting was slightly behind last year at 67% compared to 77%, but still ahead of the 59% five-year average. Emergence was at 46%, slightly behind last year's 57% but close to the 42% average.
Other crops like sorghum and cotton also showed good progress. Sorghum planting was at 35%, surpassing last year's 28% and the 25% average. Cotton was well ahead with 84% planted, topping the 66% from last year and the 72% average.
The pasture and range conditions were mostly positive, rated 6% very poor, 13% poor, 32% fair, 42% good, and 7% excellent, providing a stable environment for grazing and forage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Kansas, Crops