Corn planting progress behind average

Average temperatures and precipitation for the week ending April 22 were well below average, hindering planting and growth throughout most of the state. Some freezing occurred in the western half of the state along with high winds throughout. Temperatures last week averaged 47.6 degrees, 9.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.17 inches statewide, 0.89 inches below normal. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Heartland Regional Field Office, Missouri. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 6 percent very short, 13 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 15 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Corn planting was 16 percent complete, 26 percentage points behind the previous year and 19 percentage points behind the 5-year average. Corn emerged progressed to 1 percent. Soybean planting was 1 percent complete. Rice planting progressed greatly from 11 percent last week to 35 percent this week due to more favorable planting conditions, though still 26 percentage points behind what was planted this time last year. Sorghum planted is at 1 percent, 9 percentage points behind last year. Winter wheat headed is at 2 percent, 49 percentage points behind last year and 12 percentage points behind the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.