Kansas farmers have been hard at work with approximately 5.5 days suitable for field activities last week, as per reports from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Let's dig deeper into soil conditions. Topsoil has a mixed report - 31% is really dry, 37% just a bit dry, 31% is just right, and a surprising 1% has more moisture than needed. As for the subsoil, it's slightly drier with no areas having a surplus.
Coming to crop reports:
Winter Wheat: Farmers have planted 8%, a bit less than last year’s 13%. About 1% has sprouted, which is pretty typical.
Corn: This year, the corn seems to be a mixed bag. Some are thriving while others aren’t. About 96% of corn has dents, more than last year. And 76% is ready for harvest, which is significantly higher than both last year and the usual rate. In fact, 27% has already been harvested.
Soybeans: They’re in a similar boat as corn. Around 53% are losing leaves, which is a lot more than last year. But, only 4% has been harvested, which is about the same as last year.
Sorghum: This grain is doing well. Most of it, about 80%, is colored up. And 34% is matured, which is more than the usual. Farmers harvested 7% more than the usual and last year.
Cotton: The cotton fields look promising. Most of the bolls, about 81%, are open and that’s way ahead of last year’s numbers.
Sunflowers: They’re just starting with about 1% harvested.
Pastures and ranges seem to be struggling a bit. With 22% in very poor condition, it's something to keep an eye on.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Kansas, Crops