Spotty rains last week leave most areas parched

The average statewide temperature last week was slightly above normal at 73.8 degrees.

Though most districts received little to no moisture last week, some northern areas received above-normal rainfall for an average of 0.54 inches for the state. The norm for the period is 0.76 inches.

The rains helped some soybean fields, but in most areas crops remained in need of moisture. Under-filled pods and small beans were evident in a number of fields. Corn remained stressed.

Corn harvest began, with a wide variation in yields expected across the state. Yield estimates looked good in some fields, but in other fields the lack of rain left some ears unfilled and small.

Farmers took advantage of the cooler temperatures and prepared grain bins and field equipment for harvest. They also mowed ditches and baled hay.

Corn in the dough stage reached 97 percent, above the five-year average of 91 percent. Corn dented was rated 72 percent, up from 53 percent the previous week. Corn mature reached 11 percent as compared to 2 percent the previous week.

Corn condition was rated 6 percent excellent, 35 percent good, 37 percent fair, 16 percent poor and 6 percent very poor.

Soybeans were 9 percent turning yellow, up from 1 percent the previous week, but below the five-year average of 10 percent.

Soybean condition was rated 6 percent excellent, 42 percent good, 37 percent fair, 11 percent poor, and 4 percent very poor.

Topsoil moisture was 30 percent very short, 42 percent short, 27 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.