According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the week ending June 18, 2023, provided Kansas farmers with 4.2 suitable days for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture levels were varied, with 9% reported as very short, 24% as short, 61% as adequate, and 6% as surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 16% very short, 34% short, 49% adequate, and 1% surplus.
The Field Crops Report indicated that winter wheat condition was concerning, with ratings of 24% very poor, 30% poor, 30% fair, 13% good, and only 3% excellent. Winter wheat coloring progress was behind compared to the previous year, with 80% reported, compared to 92% last year and the five-year average of 90%.
The wheat's maturity stage was significantly delayed, with only 40% reported as mature, compared to 64% last year and the average of 52%. Harvested winter wheat stood at 8%, trailing behind the figures from the previous year (23%) and the average (16%).
Corn condition ratings indicated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 50% good, and 7% excellent. Corn emergence progress was on par with the previous year, at 91%, and the average of 93%.
Soybean condition was generally favorable, with ratings of 1% very poor, 5% poor, 31% fair, 55% good, and 8% excellent. Soybean planting progress was ahead of both last year and the average, with 90% planted and 80% emerged, compared to 81% and 68% respectively for the previous year, and 86% and 71% for the average.
Sorghum condition ratings were reported as 1% very poor, 4% poor, 32% fair, 59% good, and 4% excellent. Sorghum planting progress was slightly behind the previous year and average, at 63%. Only 2% of the crop had headed, similar to last year and the average.
Cotton condition ratings showed 4% very poor, 5% poor, 38% fair, 48% good, and 5% excellent. Cotton planting progress was behind the previous year (98%) and the average (96%), with 88% reported. Squaring was slightly ahead of last year and the average at 16%, and setting bolls was at 1%.
Sunflowers planting progress stood at 70%, ahead of the previous year (56%) and the average (67%).
The Pasture and Range Report indicated that conditions were mixed, with 7% rated as very poor, 18% poor, 41% fair, 32% good, and 2% excellent.
The data provided in this news release was collected at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, KSU Extension Service, and other reporters throughout the state.
For further information, refer to the National Crop Progress and Condition publication [link: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/8336h188j]
Access Crop Progress and Condition graphical products [link: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crop_Progress_&_Condition/2023/index.php].
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Luc Pouliot
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Rural Lifestyle