News

Dry conditions continue to affect MO crops

Cooler than usual temperatures and mostly dry conditions have been present while Missouri’s corn goes through the early reproductive stages of growth.

USDA’s Weekly Crop Progress report says temperatures the first full week of July averaged 75 degrees for Missouri, about two degrees below normal. More than half an inch of rain was the average in the last week, that’s below normal. Subsoil and topsoil supplies remain 78% and 73% short to very short, respectively.

More than half of Missouri’s corn is silking, well ahead of average with 3% of the crop in the dough stage. Corn conditions are 39% poor to very poor, a slight worsening from the previous week.

Soybean conditions are rated 42% fair, in line with the previous week, but there was a slight improvement in the poor to very poor conditions. USDA says 37% of soybeans are blooming, well ahead of average. Six percent of soybeans are setting pods.

More than 75% of Missouri’s cotton is squaring with 6% of the crop setting bolls. Cotton condition is rated 68% good to excellent. Rice conditions are rated 76% good to excellent with 22% of the crop headed.

Winter wheat harvest is nearing completion, slightly ahead of average.

USDA says hay supplies are rated 77% short to very short with stock water supplies rated 59% short to very short.