For the week ending May 31, 2015, limited rainfall over the eastern half of the State allowed producers to get back to spring planting activities, while wet conditions in the west continued to hinder fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures averaged two degrees below normal.
The cool, wet conditions were favorable for disease development in wheat, with some producers applying fungicide. Alfalfa harvest progressed slowly, as producers awaited clear conditions. Pastures continued to improve and rated better than last year. There were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4 percent very short, 9 short, 72 adequate, and 15 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 16 short, 67 adequate, and 11 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 4 poor, 31 fair, 58 good, and 7 excellent. Corn planted was at 94 percent, behind 99 for both last year and the five-year average. Emerged was at 83 percent, behind 88 last year, but near 85 average.
Sorghum planted was at 54 percent, well behind 75 last year and behind 63 average. Emerged was at 28 percent, ahead of 22 last year, but near 25 average.
Soybeans planted was at 74 percent, well behind 95 last year and behind 87 average. Emerged was at 41 percent, ahead of 22 last year and 25 average.
Winter wheat condition rated 14 percent very poor, 18 poor, 31 fair, 35 good, and 2 excellent. Headed was at 68 percent, ahead of 55 last year and 50 average.
Oats condition rated 3 percent very poor, 8 poor, 26 fair, 60 good, and 3 excellent. Oats jointed was at 62 percent, well ahead of 30 last year. Headed was at 25 percent, ahead of 15 last year and 18 average.
Alfalfa condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 25 fair, 58 good, and 11 excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was at 22 percent, behind 30 last year and 33 average.
Dry edible beans planted was at 6 percent, behind 14 last year and 23 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 6 poor, 30 fair, 54 good, and 7 excellent, in contrast to only 35 percent rating good or excellent last year.
Stock water supplies rated 3 percent very short, 8 short, 84 adequate, and 5 surplus.
