Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending August 31, 2014.
For the week ending August 31, 2014, average temperatures were six to eight degrees warmer than normal across eastern Kansas, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. North central and central counties received the most rain last week with totals up to four inches, while the rest of the state received less precipitation. Row crops and pastures that have been missed by the recent rains were stressed. Many farmers kept busy preparing for fall seeding and putting up feed. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil moisture rated 14 percent very short, 32 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 21 percent very short, 35 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Field Crops Report: Corn conditions rated 6 percent very poor, 11 poor, 29 fair, 42 good, and 12 excellent. Corn in the dough stage was 94 percent, near 93 last year and the five-year average of 95. Corn dented was 66 percent, ahead of 53 last year, but behind 73 average. Corn mature was 25 percent, well ahead of 4 last year, but behind 29 average. Corn harvested was 7 percent, ahead of 0 last year, but near 10 average.
Sorghum conditions rated 4 percent very poor, 10 poor, 33 fair, 45 good, and 8 excellent. Sorghum headed was 89 percent, behind 94 last year, but equal to the average. Sorghum coloring was 35 percent, ahead of 28 last year, but near 36 average. Sorghum mature was 5 percent, ahead of 0 last year and near 3 average.
Soybean conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 11 poor, 39 fair, 40 good, and 7 excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 87 percent, ahead of 81 last year, but near 85 average. Soybeans dropping leaves was 6 percent, near 3 last year and 5 average.
Sunflower conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 7 poor, 32 fair, 51 good, and 7 excellent. Sunflowers blooming was 86 percent, behind 92 last year and 90 average. Ray flowers dried was 19 percent, behind 36 last year and 37 average. Sunflowers turning yellow was 1 percent, behind 8 last year and 13 average.
Cotton conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 34 fair, 53 good, and 7 excellent. Cotton setting bolls was at 77 percent, ahead of 71 last year, but behind 88 average. Cotton bolls opening was 13 percent, ahead of 5 last year, but near the average of 12.
Alfalfa hay conditions rated 5 percent very poor, 12 poor, 39 fair, 37 good, and 7 excellent. Alfalfa hay third cutting was 89 percent complete, behind 93 last year and average. Alfalfa hay fourth cutting was 27 percent complete, ahead of 14 last year, but near 25 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range conditions rated 8 percent very poor, 17 poor, 42 fair, 31 good, and 2 excellent.
Stock water supplies rated 8 percent very short, 18 short, 73 adequate, and 1 surplus.
