Warm weather boosts crop maturity

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending September 22, 2024, farmers experienced 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Despite progress in crop maturity, limited rainfall affected moisture levels, with topsoil moisture supplies rated 18% very short, 43% short, 38% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly strained, rated 14% very short, 43% short, 42% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:

Corn conditions were varied, with 5% rated very poor, 8% poor, 20% fair, 45% good, and 22% excellent. Corn dented reached 96%, close to last year’s 97% and above the five-year average of 95%.

Corn maturity was at 66%, matching last year and ahead of the 59% average, while 10% of the crop was harvested, slightly behind 13% last year but above the 9% average.

Soybean conditions were rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 23% fair, 48% good, and 18% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 75%, slightly behind last year’s 82% but equal to the five-year average. The soybean harvest reached 10%, close to last year’s 11% and ahead of the 9% average.

Winter wheat planting was progressing well, with 51% planted, near 49% last year and ahead of the 45% average. Emergence was at 14%, slightly above last year’s 12% and significantly ahead of the 7% average.

Sorghum conditions were favorable, with 0% very poor, 5% poor, 18% fair, 47% good, and 30% excellent. Sorghum coloring was at 97%, matching last year’s rate and near the five-year average of 95%. Sorghum maturity was at 38%, similar to last year and the average, while 2% had been harvested.

Dry edible beans showed good progress, with conditions rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 27% fair, 42% good, and 21% excellent. Dry beans dropping leaves were at 78%, ahead of last year’s 66% but near the average of 80%. Harvest reached 46%, surpassing last year’s 32% and aligning with the 45% average.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions were mixed, with 10% rated very poor, 23% poor, 30% fair, 29% good, and 8% excellent. The ongoing dry conditions are impacting the quality of grazing land, posing challenges for livestock management.

Overall, while warm weather has helped crop maturity, the lack of adequate moisture remains a concern for farmers as they continue harvesting and preparing for the next planting season.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc