Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 11, 2014.
For the week ending May 11, 2014, heat and high winds caused further deterioration of the Kansas wheat crop, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Blowing and drifting dirt continues to be a concern in southwest Kansas, as some fields are too dry and barren to hold the topsoil against the strong winds. Isolated areas of the State received rain late Sunday with some reports of hail and flash flooding. The rain showers were not enough to relieve drought conditions.
Temperatures averaged 6 to 15 degrees above normal for the eastern half of the State and the Southwest. In the Northwest, reports of sub-freezing night temperatures brought weekly averages down to about normal. Some farmers took advantage of the 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork last week to plant row crops, while others were waiting for rain before putting more seed in the ground.
Topsoil moisture rated 33 percent very short, 41 short, 26 adequate, and 0 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 35 percent very short, 42 short, 23 adequate, and 0 surplus.
Field Crops Report: Winter wheat condition rated 23 percent very poor, 33 poor, 31 fair, 12 good, and 1 excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 92 percent, ahead of 78 last year but near the five-year average of 93. Winter wheat headed was 46 percent, well ahead of 8 last year but near 47 average.
Corn planted was 72 percent complete, well ahead of 29 last year and 63 average. Corn emerged was 35 percent, ahead of 5 last year and 30 average.
Cotton planted was 12 percent complete, compared to 1 last year and 6 average.
Sorghum planted was 3 percent, compared to 1 last year and near 4 average.
Soybeans planted was 16 percent complete, ahead 1 last year and near 15 average. Soybeans emerged was 1 percent compared to 0 last year and 3 average.
Sunflowers planted was 1 percent, compared to 0 last year and equal to the average.
Alfalfa hay condition was 8 percent very poor, 23 poor, 43 fair, 25 good, and 1 excellent. Ten percent of alfalfa first cutting was complete, ahead of 0 last year but well behind 20 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: The hot, windy days have slowed grass growth in many dry areas. Pasture and range condition rated 15 percent very poor, 24 poor, 40 fair, 20 good, and 1 excellent.
Stock water supplies were rated 20 percent very short, 32 short, 48 adequate, and 0 surplus.
