Soybean Emergence Slow, Now at 78%

June 15, 2015

Soybean condition was steady and corn condition improved slightly from last week, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending Sunday, June 14.

Above normal temperatures and limited rainfall early in the week boosted crop development, but cloudy skies and rainfall of one inch or more later in the week was common in eastern areas. Temperatures averaged one to two degrees above normal. Three or more inches of precipitation occurred in portions of the southeast causing further planting delays while western producers made good progress. Alfalfa harvest continued to be challenging in eastern areas due to the rains. 

There were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 7% short, 70% adequate, and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 4% very short, 12% short, 68% adequate, and 16% surplus.

Field Crops Report

• Corn condition rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 27% fair, 58% good, and 9% excellent. Corn emerged was at 97%, near 99% for both last year and the five-year average.
• Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 38% fair, 58% good, and 3% excellent. Sorghum planted was at 80%, behind 97% last year and 93% average. Emerged was at 48%, near 46% last year, but behind the five-year average of 66%.
• Soybean condition rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 10% excellent. Soybeans planted was at 91%, behind 100% last year and 98% average. Emerged was at 78%, behind 96% last year and 90% average.
• Winter wheat condition rated 14% very poor, 20% poor, 31% fair, 33% good, and 2% excellent. Winter wheat headed was at 95%, near 92% last year, but ahead of the five-year average of 89%. Coloring was at 31%, ahead of 17% last year, but near the average of 28%.
• Oats condition rated 2% very poor, 7% poor, 26% fair, 61% good, and 4% excellent. Oats jointed was at 90%, well ahead of 70% last year. Headed was at 54%, near 50% last year and the average of 56%.
• Alfalfa condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 27% fair, 56% good, and 13% excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was at 56%, behind 67% last year and the average of 69%.
• Proso millet planted was at 20%, behind 32% last year, and well behind the average of 46%.
• Dry edible beans planted was at 63%, well behind 83% last year and 77% average. Dry edible beans emerged was at 16%, well behind 49% last year and the 36% average.
• Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 24% fair, 59% good, and 12% excellent.