By Scout Nelson
The week ending June 9, 2024, offered farmers in Kansas ample opportunity for fieldwork, with 4.5 days suitable for agricultural activities. The latest USDA report provides an insightful glimpse into the state of various crops and soil conditions across the region.
Topsoil moisture levels were quite diverse, with 10% reported as very short, 17% short, 61% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, with 13% very short, 25% short, 55% adequate, and 7% surplus.
Looking at specific crops, winter wheat showed notable progress. The condition of the wheat was mixed, with 12% rated very poor, 21% poor, 35% fair, 29% good, and 3% excellent.
A significant 90% of the wheat had begun coloring, outpacing both last year’s 59% and the five-year average of 62%.
The maturity rate stood at 52%, far exceeding last year’s 18% and the average of 12%, with 5% already harvested.
Corn also exhibited strong growth, with 96% planted—closely matching last year’s 95% and slightly above the 94% average.
The corn emergence rate was 87%, aligning with last year and surpassing the average by 6%. The condition was mostly positive, with 1% very poor, 4% poor, 30% fair, 57% good, and 8% excellent.
Soybean planting reached 78%, trailing last year’s 86% but ahead of the 71% average. Sixty percent of soybeans had emerged, which was behind the previous year but ahead of the historical average.
Sorghum and cotton also showed favorable developments. Sorghum planting was at 54%, exceeding both last year and the average by 10%, while cotton planting reached 92%, significantly outpacing previous figures. The condition of the cotton was largely good or excellent.
The planting of sunflowers at 46% also marked an improvement over past years.
Pasture and range conditions remained mostly positive, reflecting the overall satisfactory moisture levels and favorable growing conditions.
Photo Credit -istock-ligora
Categories: Kansas, Crops