Crop Conditions Continue To Decline

Over the last week, fire danger was elevated to an extreme level due to little rainfall and the prolonged above average temperatures.  Fires were sparked from machinery and fireworks.  The extreme drought has created a growing climate that can only be described as bleak.  Although there were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork, topsoil moisture declined with only 3 percent adequate.

According to The latest Crop Progress report from the  Agricultural Statistics Service corn silked was 2 weeks ahead of normal at 75 percent.  The crops condition  has declined to 60 percent poor  to very poor,  28 percent fair, and only 12 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans blooming and beyond were 30 percent, which is about a week ahead of normal. Soybeans setting pods and beyond were 3 percent, which is 4 and 5 days ahead of last year and normal.  Soybean condition was 54 poor to very poor, 33 percent fair, and 13 percent good to excellent.
Sorghum is 18 days ahead of  last year with 17 percent of the crop headed and beyond.
Alfalfa’s 2nd cutting is a month ahead of normal at 94 percent. The crops 3rd cutting is right at 19 percent complete.
Pasture conditions continued to decline to 87 percent poor to very poor, and 13 fair to good.