Oct. 26, 2015

For the week ending October 25, above normal temperatures for the second week in a row supported harvest activities, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures averaged six to ten degrees above normal. Precipitation of up to one inch late in the week slowed fieldwork activities, but lowered dust levels and supported establishment of winter wheat stands.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 28% short, 63% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6% very short, 30% short, 63% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Corn condition rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 18% fair, 54% good, and 22% excellent. Corn harvested was at 57%, ahead of 38% last year, but behind 62% for the five-year average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 24% fair, 57% good, and 18% excellent.

Sorghum harvested was at 55%, ahead of 47% last year, but near 57% average.

Soybeans harvested was at 90%, ahead of 84% last year, but near the average of 92%.

Winter wheat condition rated 0% very poor, 5% poor, 34% fair, 53% good, and 8% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was at 92%, near 93% last year, but ahead of the average of 87%.

Dry edible beans harvested was at 96%, equal to last year, and near the average of 97%.

Pasture and range conditions rated 3% very poor, 9% poor, 28% fair, 54% good, and 6% excellent.