By Scout Nelson
For the week ending on October 22, 2023, Kansas farmers had nearly a full week, 6.8 days, suitable for field activities as per the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. A quick peek at moisture levels showed topsoil and subsoil at 40% and 41% very short respectively, hinting at the need for rain.
Winter wheat planting reached 85%, outdoing last year's 74% and surpassing the five-year average of 79%. Furthermore, 57% of this wheat has already emerged, a jump from last year's 44%.
Corn fans can rejoice as 82% has been harvested, matching last year's rate and exceeding the average by 6%. On the soybean front, 97% were dropping leaves, and an impressive 71% has been harvested, notably more than the 63% from last year.
Sorghum's condition seems varied, but its maturity rate is on par with last year. A notable 57% has been harvested, surpassing last year's 51%. Cotton, however, lags slightly behind last year's harvest rate, but still manages to beat the average.
sunflowers seem to be the star, with a whopping 70% harvested, a massive leap from last year's 41%.
On the pasture side, conditions seem a tad challenging, but a small percentage still falls into the excellent bracket.
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service provides detailed data on Kansas's agricultural sector, highlighting its resilience and hard work, providing a hopeful outlook for the farming community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Kansas, Crops