Kansas crop progress surges ahead in early may report

By Scout Nelson

As of the week ending May 5, 2024, Kansas farmers had 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork, reports the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The state saw varying levels of soil moisture, with topsoil moisture rated at 24% very short, 25% short, 40% adequate, and 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, marked as 23% very short, 33% short, 39% adequate, and 5% surplus.

In the Field Crops Report, winter wheat showed a diverse range of conditions: 12% rated very poor, 21% poor, 35% fair, 29% good, and 3% excellent. The crop’s development is notably advanced this year, with 93% of wheat jointed, surpassing last year’s 73% and the five-year average of 80%. The percentage of wheat headed reached 54%, significantly ahead of the 26% from last year and the 21% average.

Corn planting is progressing well, with 51% of the crops in the ground, outpacing the 43% recorded last year and the average. The emergence of corn is at 29%, also ahead of the 17% typical for this time of year.

Soybean planting is slightly behind last year at 22%, compared to 25%, but still ahead of the 15% average. Soybeans emerged at 5%, matching last year's and above the average of 2%.

Sorghum and cotton planting are progressing at a steady pace with sorghum at 4%, near last year’s 3% and the average of 2%. Cotton planting is at 4%, close to last year’s 2% and slightly below the 6% average.

Pasture and range conditions across the state are varied, with 8% very poor, 16% poor, 39% fair, 34% good, and 3% excellent.

Kansas agriculture is showing robust signs of growth and resilience, with several crops advancing well beyond their average development stages for this time of the year.

Photo Credit: usda