November 16, 2010

For the week ending November 14, precipitation in the form of rain and snow brought much needed relief to dry, dusty soil conditions, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The east central and southeast areas recorded the highest totals with some areas receiving 2 inches or more. Temperatures averaged 2 degrees above normal across the state. Highs reached the low 80’s while lows were in the low teens.

• Corn harvest was 98% complete, well ahead of 45% last year and the 78% average.
• Sorghum harvested was 98%, well ahead of 42% last year and 77% average.
• Soybean harvest was considered complete.
• Winter wheat conditions rated 1% very poor, 10% poor, 44% fair, 38% good, and 7% excellent, well below the 70% good to excellent last year and 69% average. Ninety-eight percent of the winter wheat had emerged, near last year’s and the average of 100%.
• Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 33% fair, 56% good, and 4% excellent, below year ago levels.
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This release was based on data from FSA county directors, county extension educators, NOAA, and the High Plains Regional Climate Center. County comments and reports are available online.