With September underway, Kansas farmers had nearly 7 days suitable for fieldwork. This data comes straight from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, highlighting the pulse of the state's agriculture.
The soil moisture content, vital for crops, presented some concerns. Topsoil moisture recorded at 33% very short and 42% short, with a minority reporting as adequate or surplus. Similarly, the subsoil moisture depicted 30% as very short and 44% short.
Breaking it down crop-wise:
Winter Wheat: A start has been made with 1% of planting completed.
Corn: Overall, the corn showed varied conditions, from 'very poor' to 'excellent'. The report noted 95% of corn in the dough stage, which is quite close to last year's numbers. As for maturation and harvest stages, this year seems to be pacing faster than last year, although harvested percentages lagged behind the previous year's results.
Soybeans: Their overall condition ranged from 'very poor' to 'excellent', with most of the crops setting pods and ahead of last year in terms of dropping leaves.
Sorghum: Condition ratings varied similar to other crops. With 90% headed and 51% coloring, these figures are generally on par or slightly ahead of last year.
Cotton: The cotton conditions ranged again from 'very poor' to 'excellent'. While setting bolls trailed last year's 100%, the percentage of bolls opening surpassed the previous year.
Lastly, pasture and range conditions presented a mixed bag with a majority rating from 'very poor' to 'fair', and only a small fraction falling into the 'good' and 'excellent' categories.
The recent stats give stakeholders a clear view of the agricultural scenario in Kansas, helping in informed decision-making and future forecasts.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Kansas, Crops