By Scout Nelson
As of October 15, 2023, Kansas farmers had almost a full week—6.6 days—to do their thing in the fields, says the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. But they're facing some dry days ahead, with 32% of topsoil and a whopping 37% of subsoil moisture dipping into the "very short" category. Only a tiny 1% of areas have what you'd call a "surplus."
Winter wheat is off to a strong start, with planting at 70%, beating last year's 62% and nudging close to the five-year average of 68%. It's popping up from the ground at 38%, faster than last year's 31%, though a bit shy of the 43% average.
Corn harvesters are in high gear at 72%, just a smidge more than last year and ahead of the 66% average. But soybeans are having a tough time, with almost half rated poor or very poor. Still, 94% of them are dropping leaves, and 57% are harvested, outpacing last year's 43% and zooming past the 34% average.
Sorghum looks fair to good for the most part, with 87% all grown up and 39% harvested. That's close to what we saw last year and better than the average.
Cotton's mostly fair or good, with nearly all bolls popped open and 17% harvested. That's slower than last year but still ahead of the usual pace.
And sunflowers? They're racing through harvest at 58%, double last year's 29% and way ahead of the 27% average.
As for pastures and ranges, they're hanging in there, but most are in the very poor to fair zone.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-creischl
Categories: Kansas, Harvesting