By Scout Nelson
For the week ending August 18, 2024, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Top-soil moisture levels were rated at 12% very short, 35% short, 51% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly rated at 13% very short, 42% short, 44% adequate, and 1% surplus.
The report highlighted the condition of several key crops. Corn conditions were rated as 9% very poor, 16% poor, 30% fair, 34% good, and 11% excellent. Corn in the dough stage reached 88%, ahead of last year's 77% and the five-year average of 76%. Corn dented was at 48%, surpassing last year's 41% and the 39% average, while 7% of the corn was mature, close to last year and the average.
Soybean conditions were rated as 3% very poor, 10% poor, 28% fair, 48% good, and 11% excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 90%, near last year's 93% and the 89% average. Pods were set at 67%, slightly behind last year's 73% but equal to the average.
Sorghum conditions were reported as 7% very poor, 13% poor, 37% fair, 38% good, and 5% excellent. Sorghum headed was 80%, ahead of both last years and the average of 72%. The coloring process was 28%, ahead of last year's 19% and the 17% average, with 1% mature, consistent with last year.
Cotton conditions were rated at 1% very poor, 10% poor, 41% fair, 37% good, and 11% excellent. Cotton setting balls were at 93%, ahead of last year's 83% and the 75% average. Bolls opening reached 12%, near last year's 9% and ahead of the 7% average.
Pasture and range conditions were also noted, with 8% rated very poor, 17% poor, 34% fair, 36% good, and 5% excellent.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sorghum