March 7, 2008

Recent below-normal temperatures have complicated livestock care for those with newborn calves. Precipitation in February was below normal as well, according to a March 3 report from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Nebraska Field Office.

Field Crop Report

• Wheat condition remained near last month and rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 36% fair, 51% good and 6% excellent, near last year's condition of 59% good or excellent.
• Hay and forage supplies rated 2% very short, 12% short, 85% adequate and 1% surplus, well above year-ago levels.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report

• Cattle and Calves condition rated 0% very poor, 2% poor, 19% fair, 75% good and 4% excellent, well above year-ago levels. Calving progressed to 22% complete, with calf losses near average.