November 9, 2010

For the week ending November 7, producers neared completion of fall harvest as warm, dry conditions allowed progress to continue at an above average pace, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fall field work such as fertilizer application and tillage has slowed somewhat due to dry soils. Most of the western half of the state has recorded less than one inch of precipitation during the last 45 days.

Corn harvest reached 94% complete, three weeks ahead of the 66% average and well ahead of 28% last year. The last time there was more corn harvested by this date was in the year 2000. Most of the corn remaining for harvest was in the western half of the state.

Sorghum harvest was 92% complete, well ahead of 24% last year and the 66% average

Winter wheat conditions continued well below average due to the lack of precipitation. Winter wheat conditions rated 1% very poor, 9% poor, 46% fair, 38% good, and 6% excellent, well below last year. Winter wheat emerged was 97%, equal to last year, but behind the 99% average.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 29% fair, 59% good, and 5% excellent, below year ago levels.