For the week ending September 8, 2024, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 15% very short, 44% short, 40% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were reported as 15% very short, 48% short, 36% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report: Winter wheat planting was 4%, which is slightly ahead of the 3% recorded last year and the 2% five-year average.
Corn condition was rated 10% very poor, 17% poor, 32% fair, 32% good, and 9% excellent. Corn dented was at 88%, close to 87% last year and above the 83% average. Corn maturity was at 55%, ahead of both last year’s 51% and the 39% average. Corn harvesting reached 14%, matching last year’s progress and near the 10% average.
Soybean condition was rated 4% very poor, 11% poor, 30% fair, 48% good, and 7% excellent. Soybeans setting pods were 93%, close to the 94% last year and 91% average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 23%, slightly behind last year’s 32%, but near the 20% average.
Sorghum condition was rated 8% very poor, 14% poor, 36% fair, 37% good, and 5% excellent. Sorghum headed was at 97%, compared to 94% last year and the 95% average. Sorghum coloring reached 67%, matching last year’s 63% and the average. Sorghum maturity was 22%, ahead of both last year’s 19% and the 11% average, with harvesting at 2%, near last year’s 3%.
Cotton condition was rated 6% very poor, 15% poor, 27% fair, 44% good, and 8% excellent. Cotton balls opening reached 44%, below 52% last year but ahead of the 30% average.
Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range conditions were reported as 8% very poor, 16% poor, 39% fair, 33% good, and 4% excellent. These ratings reflect the challenges faced in maintaining pasture quality across regions.
