Large temperature fluctuations hinder planting

Average temperatures and precipitation for the week ending April 15 were slightly below average, with large temperature fluctuations occurring within short periods of time, hindering planting and growth throughout most of the state, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Heartland Regional Field Office, Missouri Field Office. Some freezing occurred mostly in the western half of the state along with tornado warnings farther south. Temperatures last week averaged 50.4 degrees, 3.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.89 inches statewide, 0.20 inches below normal. There were 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.